US military launches new strikes on Iran and reinstates Strait blockade

The United States military launched a renewed wave of strikes against Iranian targets, marking the third consecutive night of combat operations in the region. U.S. Central Command confirmed these strikes are intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and to hold Iranian forces accountable.

Alongside the military operations, President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, scheduled to commence Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. EDT. This blockade restricts vessels traveling to or from Iranian coastal areas. Furthermore, the administration declared that the United States will now serve as the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will impose a 20% toll on the value of cargo transported through the waterway to reimburse the costs of providing security.

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The announcement of these levies represents a significant departure from previous American policy, which had consistently advocated for free and open transit. The International Maritime Organization issued a statement noting that there is no legal basis through which to introduce mandatory tolls simply to transit through a strait. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated on June 25, 2026, that there was zero support among Gulf countries for such fees, emphasizing that such charges violate international law.

Iranian officials responded to the blockade and toll proposal by asserting that Tehran maintains the right to manage the strait. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi utilized the American proposal to defend Iran’s own long-standing claims to authority over the passage. Araghchi stated on social media that while the principle of compensation for secure passage is correct, a 20% rate is excessive, adding that Iran would be fair in its own collection of such fees.

Military tensions have intensified on the water. U.S. Central Command reported the first combat deployment of sea-based drone vessels, specifically noting that three unmanned surface vessels struck a submarine and a ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base on Sunday. Conversely, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence reported that Iranian cruise missiles targeted two national tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident resulted in one death and injuries to eight crew members.

The broader conflict has destabilized energy markets. Global oil prices rose following the reports of intensified fighting and the potential for new blockades. While an interim peace deal had been reached in June 2026, both the U.S. And Iran have accused the other of violating the terms. President Trump declared the ceasefire over, though he maintained that a final deal remains possible. Meanwhile, regional states such as Jordan have reported intercepting Iranian missiles, and reports indicate that missile alerts have sounded in Bahrain.

As of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the blockade enforcement remains a pending development, with the U.S. Military warning that it will use force if vessels do not comply. The international community, including regional allies and maritime regulators, continues to monitor the impact of these measures on global shipping routes and energy security. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts led by nations including Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt attempting to steer the two sides toward a lasting agreement before the current 60-day negotiation period concludes.