Published: Sunday, July 12, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel
Fresh tensions have erupted in the Middle East after Iran announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, amid renewed hostilities with the United States.
The latest development comes months after a previous conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel led to the temporary shutdown of the strategic waterway, triggering a sharp rise in global fuel prices.
Although both countries had earlier reached a peace agreement that resulted in the reopening of the route, relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated in recent days following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the deal had collapsed.
According to reports, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after allegedly firing warning shots at a vessel attempting to navigate what it described as an unauthorized route through the waterway.
In a statement published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC accused foreign powers of interfering in regional affairs through the movement of several vessels in the area.
“Given the precarious situation created by this unlawful interference by outside parties, the Strait of Hormuz is to be closed until further notice and until regional interference by the United States ceases,” the statement said.
The IRGC further declared that no ship or naval vessel would be allowed to pass through the waterway until further notice.
Meanwhile, the United States military confirmed that it had launched another round of strikes against Iranian targets, marking the third such operation this week.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the military action followed an alleged attack by Iranian forces on a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the statement, one crew member remains missing.
“Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked a commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM stated, adding that Iran had failed to uphold the terms of an earlier memorandum aimed at safeguarding international shipping routes.
The military operation reportedly began at about 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time and was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, stating on social media that Iran would face serious consequences for its actions.
The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the world’s most critical maritime passages, serving as a major route for the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products to Europe, Asia and other regions.
Analysts warn that the renewed confrontation between Iran and the United States could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, international trade and regional security.
Governments and international observers are closely monitoring the situation as fears grow over the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to provide updates as events unfold.
