On July 22-23, 2026, U.S. forces launched their 12th consecutive night of airstrikes against military targets across Iran, including locations near Ahvaz, Ramshir, Andimeshk, and the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The U.S. Central Command stated the strikes aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian mariners in regional waters. Simultaneously, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that they intercepted three oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, claiming one exploded and caught fire, prompting the others to retreat. Tehran has declared the Strait closed to all traffic as long as U.S. operations continue.

The conflict has further destabilized the region, with reports of reciprocal attacks on U.S. facilities in Kuwait and incidents in the Red Sea involving Houthi rebels targeting Saudi tankers. In response to the intensifying security crisis, the British government has temporarily withdrawn its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran and warned its citizens against travel. Global energy markets have reacted to these events with rising oil prices. The situation remains volatile as the U.S. pledges to continue its mission and Iran threatens further countermeasures against any vessel entering the Strait without its consent.