US and Iran resume war over control of the Strait of Hormuz

US and Iran Resume War Over Control of the Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have returned to direct hostilities, centering a renewed conflict on control of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil must pass, has become the primary flashpoint after a June 17 agreement lasted barely three weeks.

Following a collapse of the ceasefire, President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 10 that the war had resumed. The conflict, which originally began on Feb. 28, has evolved into a war of attrition focused on maritime chokepoints. While Washington seeks to restore free navigation, Tehran insists it is the master of the strait, designating specific routes and levying a toll for safe passage.

Escalation and Regional Spillover

The fighting has expanded beyond a bilateral contest, drawing in several regional neighbors. For two weeks, American missiles have struck Iran's southern coastline, including the city of Abadan and the strategically vital Qeshm Island. In response, Iran has retaliated against American allies. Jordan has intercepted Iranian missiles for two consecutive days, including five shot down on Thursday. Kuwait reported an Iranian strike in the north, which killed one person.

The conflict further widened on Wednesday when drone strikes ignited fires on two natural gas vessels — a U.S.-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned tanker — at Egypt's Damietta port. This marks the first time Egypt has been targeted since the war began five months ago.

In Iraq, joint U.S.-Saudi air strikes targeted Iranian-backed militias, killing at least 20 people, including six Iranian military advisers. These strikes represent the first public engagement of a Persian Gulf nation in the war.

Strategic Chokepoints and Economic Strain

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to non-compliant traffic, global energy markets have been rattled. Saudi Arabia has shifted roughly four million barrels of oil a day, four times its pre-war volume, through the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. However, this has shifted the risk to another chokepoint: the Strait of Bab al-Mandab. On July 20, Houthi rebels in Yemen, allies of Iran, declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia at Bab al-Mandab and have since struck two Saudi tankers.

The economic toll is mounting for both sides. The war has cost the U.S. More than $37.5 billion. Within Iran, the economy is in free fall, with year-on-year inflation reaching 88.6% by late June. In provinces bearing the brunt of U.S. Strikes, such as Hormozgan, inflation has crossed 101%.

Military Costs and Casualties

The human cost of the renewed hostilities has risen sharply since July 6. At least 53 Iranians have been killed and 592 injured. In the U.S., 18 service members have been killed and 624 injured since the war's inception. Recent strikes on Qeshm Island reportedly killed three members of a family, including a child.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have destroyed three F-35 fighter jets and damaged three others at the Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan. The U.S. Military has not immediately confirmed these losses.

Diplomatic Efforts and Internal Pressure

Despite the violence, Pakistan and Qatar continue mediation efforts. Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi stated that negotiations are ongoing, particularly on [the] Strait of Hormuz and to de-escalate. Iran has also held talks with Omani officials regarding traffic control mechanisms.

However, domestic pressure is growing in the United States. An AP-NORC poll conducted July 23-27 found that about two-thirds of U.S. Adults believe the war has not been worthwhile. Approval of President Trump’s handling of the conflict fell to 28% from 34% last month.

Current Status and Outlook

Washington has implemented new sanctions against the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority, alleging they extort shipping fees to fund IRGC operations. The U.S. Continues a naval blockade of Iranian ports, redirecting 20 commercial ships as of Wednesday.

The path toward a durable settlement remains unclear. A potential resolution rests on a return to the initial agreement: Iran would restore freedom of navigation and halt attacks on U.S. Forces, while the U.S. Would lift its naval blockade and suspend punitive measures.