Escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran
On July 15, 2026, the United States military conducted a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military installations, specifically targeting coastal defense systems and missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes, lasting approximately 90 minutes, followed a series of attacks on Tuesday involving dozens of military targets. The U.S. Central Command stated the actions aim to protect commercial shipping in the region, which remains under a naval blockade. Iranian authorities report that over 30 civilians and seven military personnel were killed, with more than 260 people injured, and claimed to have responded by launching missiles at U.S. targets in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of potential future strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not engage in negotiations. Iran has threatened to shut down additional regional export corridors beyond the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation. Additionally, it was confirmed that a crew member of the Cyprus-flagged vessel M/V GFS Galaxy, which was attacked on Sunday, has died.