U.S. fires a new wave of strikes on Iran and hits a tanker trying to skirt its blockade

U.S. Fires a new wave of strikes on Iran and hits a tanker trying to skirt its blockade

The United States military intensified its aerial campaign against Iran on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, launching multiple waves of strikes and reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The escalation follows a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and has effectively shredded an interim ceasefire deal, raising fears of a return to all-out war.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it conducted a seven-hour wave of attacks overnight, striking dozens of targets including coastal defense systems and missile and drone sites. A second wave of strikes began on Wednesday morning, followed by a third late in the day. CENTCOM stated these actions aim to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Specific targets included Greater Tunb Island, where the U.S. Hit defense and missile sites. Other strikes hit the southern coast in Bandar Abbas, Khormuj, Ahvaz, Qeshm, Bushehr, and Kuh-e Stak. In Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iranian state television reported that at least 13 missiles targeted a barracks for the 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Iranian officials stated that this specific strike killed at least seven troops, including career soldiers and conscripts.

Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for the Iranian Health Ministry, reported that more than 35 people have been killed and over 300 wounded by U.S. Airstrikes in recent days, with at least 72 people hospitalized. Kermanpour did not specify how many of those casualties were civilians.

Blockade and Maritime Conflict

The U.S. Reimposed its naval blockade on Tuesday, following a previous blockade that ran from April 13 to June 18. Within the first 24 hours, the military redirected two commercial vessels. However, the U.S. Also disabled the Curaçao-flagged oil tanker Belma. CENTCOM stated the unladen vessel ignored multiple warnings as it sailed toward Kharg Island; a U.S. Aircraft disabled the ship by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and gas typically move, remains the central point of contention. While Washington views it as an international waterway, Tehran has asserted control and demanded ships follow approved routes. Kpler, a maritime traffic firm, reported that only 21 ships transited the strait on Tuesday. Kpler verified three additional attacks off Oman, bringing the total to 56 confirmed incidents and 17 seafarer fatalities.

In response to the blockade, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East, stating: "The region's oil and gas exports will either be available to everyone or to no one."

Regional Escalation and Political Fallout

The conflict has expanded beyond Iranian borders. Iran launched missiles and drones at U.S. Allies, resulting in missile-alert warnings in Bahrain and Kuwait. Jordan reported shooting down three Iranian missiles. Kuwaiti military officials stated they detected four cruise missiles and 21 drones on Wednesday.

In Yemen, the Ansar Allah Houthi rebels, part of Iran's axis of resistance, accused Saudi Arabia of breaking a four-year-old ceasefire following an attack on the airport in Sanaa. Mohammad al-Farah of Ansar Allah warned that if the situation aggravates, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz will be closed in an operational alliance.

Internally, the Trump administration is navigating a divide between pragmatists and hardliners. Vice President JD Vance, speaking on a podcast, expressed frustration with hawks who oppose diplomacy, arguing that bombing is not enough to stop attacks on shipping and that the U.S. Must be willing to talk. Meanwhile, President Trump told a defense summit in Pennsylvania that while Iran may want to settle, the U.S. Will determine whether to reach a deal or just finish it off.

Economic and Diplomatic Impact

The instability has pushed Brent crude oil prices above $85 a barrel on Wednesday. The International Monetary Fund warned that the world is in a weaker position for future shocks as oil inventories have not been replenished.

On the diplomatic front, U.S.-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel ended in Rome on Wednesday. The parties agreed on guidelines for pilot zones in southern Lebanon to facilitate a steady Israeli withdrawal. The White House has invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington next week to discuss regional security, though Aoun has stated he will walk out if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is present.

The U.S. Treasury also issued sanctions on Wednesday against seven people or entities involved in weapons procurement for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two Russian nationals and an Italian national.