Iran strikes Gulf neighbours after new US attacks
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and launched military strikes against Gulf neighbors following retaliatory attacks from the US. The escalation follows an incident involving an Iranian-seized merchant vessel, further destabilizing the Middle East region.
Why it matters
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and direct military conflict between Iran and US-aligned nations poses a significant threat to global energy supplies and regional security.
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this region".
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman on Jul 9, 2026. (File photo: Reuters)
TEHRAN: Iran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday (Jul 12) and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, in retaliation for new US strikes following an attack by Iranian forces on a merchant vessel that was abandoned in flames by its crew.
Sirens and explosions were heard in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, AFP journalists and local authorities reported, the latest escalation to undermine an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the Middle East war.
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