US Strikes Iran Again After New Hormuz Shipping Attacks

Summary:

U.S. Central Command conducted a new round of strikes against Iran on July 7, 2026, hitting more than 80 targets in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, command and control facilities, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats. The action follows a series of attacks on three commercial tankers and comes as the United States moves to reinstate sanctions relief that had been temporarily granted to Iran in June.

Detailed Report

1. US Conducts Strikes Against Iran

U.S. Central Command announced that its forces carried out a series of precision strikes against Iran on July 7, 2026. According to CENTCOM, more than 80 targets were struck, including air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and over 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats operating in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The command stated that the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international commercial shipping. U.S. officials described the operation as a direct response to recent Iranian aggression in the waterway.

2. Iranian Attacks on Commercial Shipping

The U.S. strikes followed Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels affected were the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. Maritime security sources reported that at least one vessel, a Qatari-linked LNG tanker, was struck by a projectile or drone, causing a fire onboard. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed multiple incidents in which commercial tankers came under fire while passing through the strait. U.S. Central Command described the attacks as a clear violation of the existing ceasefire.

3. Oil Sanctions: Temporary Relief and Rapid Reversal

In June 2026, the United States granted Iran temporary sanctions relief on its oil exports as part of diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. On June 22, the Treasury issued General License X, authorising the production and sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products until August 21.

Following Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 6 and 7, the United States revoked the licence on July 7. It was replaced with a narrow wind-down authorisation that expires on July 17 and prohibits new transactions. A U.S. official described Iran’s actions as “wholly unacceptable” and stated that the existing understanding was “entirely performance-based.” The move contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices.

Conclusion

U.S. Central Command conducted precision strikes against more than 80 Iranian targets on July 7, 2026, in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the United States revoked the temporary sanctions relief on Iranian oil exports that had been granted in June. These measures reflect Washington’s decision to respond to violations of the ceasefire with both military force and economic pressure. The situation remains volatile, with the risk of further escalation if attacks on shipping continue.