US claims Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran's closure declaration
The United States and Iran have exchanged intensifying military strikes over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Over the weekend, the US launched approximately 140 military targets including drones and missile sites in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Iran responded by striking American military bases across the Persian Gulf in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman. The core dispute centers on whether the waterway remains open: US officials and President Trump insist the Strait is operational through an Omani coastal route, while Iran declared it closed and requires vessels to obtain permits from its new Strait Authority. Before the conflict began in February, roughly 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transited through this critical waterway. A ceasefire agreement signed last month appears to have collapsed, with both sides accusing the other of violations. The UN warned that continued escalation could have catastrophic consequences for global shipping and energy prices.
Key facts
- The US launched strikes on approximately 140 Iranian military targets on July 12-13, 2026
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked commercial vessels and Gulf military bases with drones and missiles
- Before the war, 20 percent of global oil and LNG traded through the Strait of Hormuz
- A memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 called for a 60-day ceasefire and strait reopening; it has largely collapsed
- Oil prices rose 3-4 percent on the weekend of strikes despite remaining lower than April 2026 peaks
- Trump declared the Strait open through an Omani route; Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority declared it closed
- Before the conflict, approximately 110 commercial vessels transited daily; current traffic has dropped to roughly 6 ships per 24 hours
- Trump announced the US will reinstate a blockade of Iranian ports and charge 20 percent tolls on cargo—positions rejected by the UN and Iran
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets frame Trump's actions as reckless escalation that undermines peace efforts and harms ordinary Americans. They highlight Trump's previous failed predictions about Iranian military capabilities, his contradictory policies on strait tolls, and argue that his decision to attack Iran has directly increased global energy costs by 30 percent since February, burdening working families across America.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets present Trump's military response as justified retaliation for Iranian aggression and violations of the peace agreement. Fox News highlights Trump's assertions that the Strait remains open and quotes administration officials characterizing Iranian attacks on commercial shipping as unacceptable violations that warrant military consequences.
Limits of this briefing
Competing claims about military damage and casualties remain difficult to independently verify given active conflict. Coverage has been limited on voices from neutral maritime authorities or insurance underwriters regarding actual shipping conditions.
Sources
- CNN: US launches strikes on Iran for a second night Centre
- NPR: U.S. launches new strikes on Iran and Tehran attacks U.S. allies Centre
- Fox News: US issues fresh Iran sanctions amid Strait of Hormuz tensions Right
- Washington Post: Iran launches attacks on Gulf states amid heaviest U.S. strikes in months Left
- Bloomberg: US, Iran Trade Airstrikes as Fears Grow of Return to War Centre