US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night

The US military has conducted strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night, stating the actions are intended to degrade Iranian military capabilities. These strikes follow President Trump's declaration that a temporary ceasefire agreement is "over." Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported explosions near the Strait of Hormuz, claiming two oil tankers exploded in a mined shipping channel, a claim dismissed as false by the US military's Central Command (Centcom). Iranian media also reported explosions in Yazd, Qeshm island, and Bandar Abbas. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global oil and LNG supplies, has largely halted due to these ongoing retaliatory strikes. Earlier, Iran claimed to have attacked US military facilities in several Gulf countries, which the US denied.

The US military launched a new wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran stated these strikes rendered diplomatic efforts futile and accused the US of disrupting international shipping. The US military, under President Trump's direction, conducted approximately 140 strikes on Saturday night and continued further attacks on Sunday. These actions are part of an escalating cycle of attacks and counterattacks over control of the vital energy route. Iran had previously targeted US facilities and closed the strait, casting doubt on an interim truce agreement. The renewed violence has also impacted regional mediators like Qatar and the UAE.

The United States has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, effective Tuesday evening GMT, following escalating exchanges with Iran. The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the blockade targets vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. CENTCOM also announced a new series of strikes aimed at degrading Iran's capabilities to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions come after Iranian media reported US strikes on several Iranian cities and islands, including Abadan, Mahshahr, Qeshm, and Kish. Iran's deputy foreign minister accused the US of destroying an interim peace deal, stating Tehran now has no commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding. Iran has responded with attacks on two ships in Omani waters and retaliatory strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent transit fee on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This shift comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Instead of the fee, Trump stated that regional countries will make "massive" trade and investment deals with the United States in return for transit protection. He announced this change following "highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership." The article notes that several Gulf countries had already pledged multibillion-dollar investments in the US prior to the recent conflict with Iran. Trump's administration had previously opposed Iran charging fees for passage through the international waterway, citing concerns about international law.

President Trump has rescinded his threat to impose a 20% fee on cargo ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he announced that Gulf States will pursue trade and investment deals with the United States. This decision comes as the U.S. prepares to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Centcom stated would be in effect from Tuesday. Trump indicated the Strait remains open to all traffic except Iran, asserting that oil is flowing freely due to U.S. military power. He explained his change of plan was influenced by calls from Gulf leaders, who expressed concerns about the fairness of the U.S. protecting the waterway for global use. Shipping data indicates a recent slowdown in Strait traffic and a rise in Brent Crude oil prices.

US President Donald Trump has abandoned his plan to impose a 20% charge on commercial cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, announced on Tuesday, came after discussions with Middle East leadership. Trump stated that the proposed fee will be replaced by trade and investment agreements between Gulf states and the United States. Despite scrapping the toll, the US is continuing with a naval blockade aimed at Iranian trade. The shift in strategy follows "highly productive conversations" with regional leaders.

The United States conducted new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes began at 1900 GMT. President Donald Trump warned that attacks could expand if Iran does not return to negotiations. Additionally, the US military reported that an aircraft fired on and disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to bypass a naval blockade of Iran's ports. These actions aim to reduce Iran's capacity to disrupt maritime transit in the crucial waterway.

The US military conducted strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day following President Trump's declaration that an interim agreement to end the war was "over." These strikes targeted three locations across Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Bushehr province, in retaliation for Iran's earlier attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed the actions were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation. The escalation follows an exchange of fire after Iran targeted merchant vessels, and the US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil exports. The strikes occurred as Iran was preparing to bury its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The US Central Command has launched strikes against Iran, stating the action is intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for what it described as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." These strikes follow reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar's foreign ministry holds Iran "fully responsible" for an apparent targeted attack on the vessel Al-Rekayyat, demanding Iran cease practices undermining regional security and global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry also stated Iran targeted the Saudi tanker Wadyan as it crossed the Strait. Despite these actions, a US official indicated that US negotiators would continue to work in "good faith" towards a final deal with Iran. A previously issued US license authorizing Iran to sell oil and petrol products will be wound down by July 17.

The US military conducted strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday following the reported attacks on three merchant ships off Oman. US Central Command stated the strikes were intended to impose costs for targeting civilian commercial shipping in an international waterway, deeming Iran's actions unwarranted and a violation of a ceasefire. The incidents occurred on Tuesday, with three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel and a Saudi crude tanker, being struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities raised the threat level to "severe" for vessels in the area. Initial indications from a US official suggested Iran fired at two commercial vessels, though no immediate claim of responsibility was made.

Global markets experienced a downturn and oil prices surged following US President Donald Trump's announcement that the memorandum of understanding with Iran to end conflict was "over" and that additional strikes were likely. Brent crude hit a two-week high of $77.24 a barrel. Major US stock indices opened lower, with the Dow down 0.8 percent. Travel stocks plunged due to rising fuel costs, with United Airlines falling 3 percent, while energy stocks saw gains. These developments risk reversing recent declines in fuel prices and could lead to a second oil shock, according to analysts. The escalation follows Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting US military sites in response to US strikes.

US stock markets declined on Wednesday due to ongoing US strikes on Iran and concerns from the Federal Reserve about potentially higher interest rates. President Trump declared the Iran-US ceasefire over, leading to a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $80 a barrel. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.09%, while the S&P 500 experienced a slight loss and the Nasdaq saw a minor gain. Global stock markets also saw declines. The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes indicated that some officials believe interest rates may need to increase to combat rising inflation, which reached a three-year high of 4.2% in May. This situation presents a challenge for the Fed chair, who was nominated by President Trump, who has publicly called for lower interest rates.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2026 to 3%, down from its previous projection of 3.1% in April. This downward revision is primarily attributed to the energy shock resulting from the Iran war, which caused Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring oil prices. The IMF anticipates oil prices to rise by nearly 32% this year, contributing to a projected 4.7% increase in global consumer prices, stalling progress against inflation. However, the negative impact of the conflict is being partially offset by robust investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies. The IMF's forecasts are contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening later this month and commerce returning to normal by March of next year.

The United States conducted a second night of air attacks on Iran, targeting military sites in Tehran and southern cities. These strikes, which killed at least 14 people, were a response to Iran's earlier attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the aim was to degrade Iran's ability to attack shipping. Despite the escalation, neither side has officially ended an interim peace agreement, though President Trump suggested it was "over." The tit-for-tat strikes have significantly slowed shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, trapping thousands of sailors. The attacks occurred during the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Following deadly US attacks on Iran that reportedly killed at least one person and caused power outages, sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait, with warnings also issued in Qatar. In Qatar, residents were advised to stay indoors and away from windows until the danger passed. Kuwait's defense ministry reported intercepting drones and missiles, urging citizens to take precautions and noting that any explosions were due to these interceptions. Bahrain's interior ministry also issued an alert. Countries in the Gulf region are preparing for potential retaliatory attacks, as is common after US strikes on Iranian targets. Iran claims to be targeting the sources of attacks on its territory, a stance that has caused contention and anger in Gulf nations who state they are not involved in the conflict.

The United States conducted new strikes on Iran on Wednesday in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump ordered the retaliation, stating his expectation for the military escalation to conclude swiftly and indicating a willingness for further discussions. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes were aimed at diminishing Iran's capacity to jeopardize freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital waterway for global energy transport. The article does not provide further details on the specific nature or targets of these strikes.