U.S. Conducts Third Consecutive Night of Strikes on Iran as Trump Vows to “Control” Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Conducts Third Consecutive Night of Strikes on Iran as Trump Vows to “Control” Strait of Hormuz
Iran retaliates against Bahrain and Gulf tankers as escalating conflict threatens global energy security

USTSGL News — July 14, 2026

The military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensified further after U.S. forces completed a third consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets on July 13.

President Donald Trump subsequently declared that the United States would maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz and could assume responsibility for managing the strategically vital waterway. He also announced the reinstatement of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.

According to U.S. Central Command, the latest operation lasted approximately five hours and struck military targets across Iran, including sites in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas.

CENTCOM said precision munitions were used against Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities. The operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed across the Middle East, according to the command. Read the CENTCOM statement

Trump Says U.S. May “Run” the Strait

In interviews with U.S. media, Trump said the United States would “keep” the Strait of Hormuz and would “probably run it.”

He described the United States as potentially becoming the strait’s “guardian,” arguing that Washington should be compensated for protecting international shipping. Trump also proposed imposing a 20% charge on cargo transported through the waterway.

The administration has not yet released a detailed policy explaining how the proposed charge would be calculated, which vessels or cargoes would be affected, or under what legal authority it would be imposed. For now, the 20% charge remains a presidential proposal rather than a fully implemented system.

Trump also announced the restoration of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. He said ships would generally be permitted to pass through the region unless they were engaged in trade with Iran.

Located between Iran and Oman, the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. During peacetime, approximately one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas passes through the waterway.

The strait has traditionally remained open to international shipping without tolls. Any unilateral attempt by either the United States or Iran to control the passage or charge transit fees would likely raise significant questions concerning international law and freedom of navigation. CBS News live coverage

Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks

Iran responded to the latest U.S. strikes with attacks across the Gulf region.

Bahrain sounded missile-alert sirens three times early Tuesday and urged residents to seek shelter. The island nation hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, making it a strategically important location in the expanding conflict.

Iran claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting Bahrain. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties or major damage.

Iranian forces also targeted Jordan and attacked two tankers associated with the United Arab Emirates as they traveled through the Strait of Hormuz.

The UAE Defense Ministry said two cruise missiles struck the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, killing one Indian crew member and injuring six other Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. Fires aboard both vessels were later extinguished.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, alleging that the vessels had ignored repeated warnings. The UAE warned that it could respond, raising concerns that additional Gulf nations may be drawn directly into the hostilities. Associated Press report

U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Collapses

Trump formally notified Congress last week that U.S.-Iran hostilities had resumed on July 7, effectively ending the countries’ monthslong ceasefire.

The notification begins a new 60-day period under the U.S. War Powers Resolution, during which the president may conduct military operations without receiving additional congressional authorization.

Washington has accused Tehran of violating a June interim agreement by continuing to threaten and attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire and related maritime understandings.

Disputes over control of the strait, designated shipping routes and conditions for commercial passage have now become central to the renewed confrontation.

Global Energy Markets Face Growing Risks

The escalating conflict has already disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Some international shipping companies have suspended or delayed transits, while insurance, security and transportation costs have risen sharply.

Benchmark Brent crude climbed above $84 per barrel on July 14, reaching its highest level in approximately one month.

Energy markets remain concerned that further attacks on tankers—or a prolonged disruption of traffic through the strait—could drive oil and natural-gas prices higher, increase global transportation costs and add to inflationary pressure.

Although both Washington and Tehran claim that they can control access to the Strait of Hormuz, neither side currently appears capable of guaranteeing the safety and uninterrupted movement of international shipping.

The direction of the crisis will depend largely on whether military operations expand further and whether Gulf governments and the international community can establish a new ceasefire and credible maritime-security arrangement.