US restores Strait of Hormuzrestores Strait of Hormuz blockade and launches third night of strikes on Iran
The US Central Command launched a third consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets and restored a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as crude oil prices topped $85 a barrel on July 15, 2026.
These actions are escalating tensions in the Middle East and threatening critical energy corridors, raising the risk of further global economic disruption if Iran activates its Houthi allies to block the Bab el-Mandeb gateway.
US Central Command
The US Central Command and Western media describe the strikes as a legitimate operation to impose heavy costs on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack civilians and commercial shipping in the region.
Iranian Perspective
Iranian officials and regional allies view the blockade and strikes as an act of aggression that threatens innocent civilians and commercial shipping while escalating tensions in the Middle East.
- The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil consumption daily, making blockades there one of the most disruptive events for energy markets.
- Houthi forces in Yemen have previously targeted shipping lanes in the Bab el-Mandeb, causing temporary disruptions to Red Sea trade routes.
- Oil prices have remained volatile since the 2025 surge, with $85 per barrel marking a significant psychological threshold for global traders.
US-Iran-Israel War
The United States and Israel have resumed full-scale war with Iran after President Trump declared the June 17 Versailles peace agreement's ceasefire over on July 8, following Iranian attacks on commercial ships and U.S. bases in the Gulf. Trump launched massive new airstrikes on 90 military sites across Iran, including the Bushehr nuclear plant, while Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, trapping 150–700 vessels and halting over 11 million barrels per day of Gulf crude.
14 July, 02:20 PM
Iran signals it could shut Red Sea gateway using Houthi allies14 July, 09:01 AM
Iran and US exchange fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz
