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2026-07-13 15:06:28
[US and Iran Clash Over Strait of Hormuz; Weekend Attacks Increase Risk of Diplomatic Rupture] 1. The United States and Iran engaged in a fierce battle over control of the Strait of Hormuz over the past weekend. Iran attacked a container ship in the strait on Sunday, triggering a new round of retaliatory strikes by the US military, highlighting once again that this waterway, which carries one-fifth of the world's oil and gas trade, remains a core sticking point in negotiations. 2. US Central Command stated that it struck dozens of Iranian targets in Monday's airstrikes, including air defense systems, radar stations, missile and drone facilities. Central Command emphasized that "Iran does not control the strait." The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps refuted this, stating that "the Strait of Hormuz is our territory" and warning that "we will not allow continued illegal interference from the other side of the world." 3. The conflict has spread to several countries. Bahrain issued three missile alerts, Kuwait claimed to be intercepting enemy fire, the Jordanian military announced that it had shot down four Iranian missiles, and Oman summoned Iranian diplomats to condemn the attack. Previously, Iran also attacked a Kurdish opposition base in northern Iraq. 4. The 60-day interim agreement between the US and Iran aimed at ending the war is nearing its midpoint, but negotiations have been replaced by military confrontation. Although Trump hinted last week that the ceasefire was "over," mediators such as Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first statement since his father's funeral, vowing revenge for his father's death. 5. Iran claims the Strait of Hormuz is closed, but the US military and Trump insist it remains open. Iran's continued threats to strike ships using the southern Omani shipping lanes have become the core of the US-Iran conflict, causing high tension in global energy markets. Trump stated on NBC, "We bombed them hard last night." Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf responded, "Either keep your promises or pay the price. Reality is knocking at the door."
