Military tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday, July 12, as the conflict spread across the Gulf after fresh US strikes on Iranian military targets. The latest escalation comes on the 25th day since Washington and Tehran signed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and 134 days after the outbreak of the war.
Earlier in the day, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stopped a commercial vessel it said had taken an unauthorised route. The United States responded with another round of strikes, while Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting military sites across the Gulf, prompting several neighbouring countries to activate their air defence systems.
Stay with us for the latest developments.
CENTCOM says Strait of Hormuz remains open
“The Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels undertaking lawful transit through the international waterway,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said US forces are operating in the area to safeguard freedom of navigation and asserted that Iran does not control the strategic waterway
Iranian Navy officer killed in overnight US attack
An Iranian Navy officer was killed during overnight US military strikes on southern Iran, according to Iranian media reports on Sunday.
Mehr and Tasnim news agencies identified the officer as Lieutenant Hamidreza Dehghani, saying he died in a strike on the port city of Jask.
UKMTO reports reduced shipping through Strait of Hormuz
Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains below normal levels as security concerns persist across the Gulf, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
In its latest assessment, UKMTO warned that ships continue to face heightened risks, including disruptions to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and potential mine hazards. It advised mariners to remain vigilant while operating in the region.
Oman rescues 23 crew members from GFS Galaxy
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said rescue teams recovered 23 crew members from the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy after it issued a distress call off the Musandam coast.
The vessel reported the emergency around 4.4 nautical miles offshore. Authorities said those rescued were receiving medical attention, while efforts continued to locate one crew member who remains unaccounted for.
Iranian official highlights strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz
Mohsen Rezaee, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said the Strait of Hormuz holds greater strategic value than “dozens of atomic bombs”.
Quoted by Iran’s ISNA news agency, Rezaee said Tehran would continue to defend the vital maritime corridor. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes despite longstanding allegations from Western governments regarding its nuclear ambitions.
JMIC says southern Strait of Hormuz route remains open
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said the southern transit route through the Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran’s announcement that the strategic waterway has been closed.
In its latest advisory, JMIC said the maritime security threat level in the area remains “Severe”, adding that the southern route has been expanded to accommodate two-way vessel traffic.
The centre urged ship owners, operators and mariners to remain vigilant, follow established safety procedures and expect VHF radio communications from naval forces. It also advised vessels to remain aware of designated mine danger areas while transiting the strait.
Separately, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) said the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway and confirmed that the southern transit route is open. It added that coalition forces remain committed to protecting freedom of navigation and lawful commercial shipping.
Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s regional attacks
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran’s latest actions, accusing Tehran of undermining regional security and violating international law.
In a statement, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran’s continued actions contravene the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the principles of good neighbourly relations.
Riyadh also condemned repeated attacks on commercial vessels, warning that they pose a serious threat to maritime security and freedom of navigation.
The Kingdom further denounced attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Jordan, stressing the need to preserve regional stability and protect the security of Gulf states.
UAE says missile threats remained outside its borders
The United Arab Emirates said missile threats detected on Sunday morning did not enter the country’s airspace and remained outside its borders.
Authorities assured residents that the security situation was stable and that there was no cause for concern.
Ten Indian nationals rescued after Oman vessel attack
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 10 of the 11 Indian nationals aboard the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy had been rescued, while one Indian citizen remains missing.
The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and reiterated New Delhi’s call for an immediate de-escalation of regional tensions.
India also condemned the attack on the commercial vessel off the Omani coast.
Iranian lawmaker says Tehran has taken control of Strait of Hormuz
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said the Islamic Republic had “taken control of the Strait of Hormuz”.
He did not provide further details.
Bahrain activates air raid sirens for third time
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior activated air raid sirens for the third time on Sunday.
Authorities urged citizens and residents to remain calm, move to the nearest safe location and continue following updates issued through official channels.
Pakistan urges restraint in call with Iran
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for restraint and renewed dialogue during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, with Dar stressing that diplomacy remains the only sustainable path to reducing tensions and restoring regional stability.
Oman condemns drone attacks
Oman condemned drone attacks targeting sites in Musandam Governorate, according to a security source.
Authorities said all necessary measures were being taken to respond to the developments and safeguard public safety. No further details were immediately released.
Three injured in Qatar after debris falls during interceptions
Three people, including a child, were injured after debris fell during air defence interception operations in Qatar, the country’s Ministry of Interior said on Sunday.
The ministry said those injured were receiving medical treatment and did not provide further details.
Iran, Oman discuss Strait of Hormuz shipping security
Iran and Oman held talks on Saturday, July 11, on managing maritime traffic and ensuring shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Baghaei said both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at reaching a shared understanding on safeguarding navigation through the strategic waterway. A Qatari delegation also attended part of the meeting.
Kuwait intercepts hostile aerial targets
Kuwait’s General Staff said the country’s armed forces intercepted hostile aerial targets that entered its airspace.
Military units responded to the threat and completed interception operations, while authorities urged the public to rely on official sources for further information.
Crew rescued after container ship catches fire off Oman
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a container ship caught fire after sustaining damage around nine nautical miles east of the Omani coast.
According to UKMTO, the crew abandoned the vessel and boarded a lifeboat before being rescued by local authorities.
Qatar continues intercepting ballistic missiles
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence forces were continuing operations to intercept multiple ballistic missiles targeting the country.
Officials did not immediately release further details.
Bahrain activates warning sirens
Authorities in Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to remain calm, move to the nearest safe location and follow updates issued through official channels.
Ghalibaf warns US over Hormuz dispute
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would no longer accept what he described as unequal agreements with Washington.
In a post on X, Ghalibaf wrote that the era of “one-sided deals” was over and warned the United States to honour its commitments or face consequences. His post highlighted Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key point of disagreement between the two sides.
Kuwait intercepts aerial threats
Kuwait’s General Staff said its armed forces intercepted hostile aerial targets over the country’s airspace.
Authorities said explosion sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by air defence systems responding to the threats and urged residents to follow official safety instructions.
IRGC says second vessel stopped
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had stopped a second vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that it described as an “offending” ship.
The force warned that any further military action by the United States or Israel would be met with a stronger response.
Iran claims strike on US-linked facilities in Oman
The IRGC said it had targeted logistics support centres and refuelling facilities used by US aircraft carriers at the Port of Duqm in Oman.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB quoted the force as saying the operation formed the third phase of its response to recent US strikes on Iranian territory.
CENTCOM details latest US operation
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had completed a third round of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure.
According to CENTCOM, about 140 targets were struck, including missile and drone sites, naval assets, ammunition storage facilities, communications networks and coastal surveillance positions.
The command said more than 300 military targets had been hit over three nights to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM also said US forces have assisted more than 800 commercial vessels carrying around 400 million barrels of oil through the strategic waterway since early May.
Iran reports drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain
Iran’s military said it launched waves of drone attacks against US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain.
State media reported that the targets included a Patriot air defence system, an ammunition depot, radar facilities and communications infrastructure used by US forces.
Tehran said the attacks were carried out in response to continued US strikes on southern Iran.
Iran says Jordan airbase targeted
The IRGC claimed it fired ballistic missiles at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.
It said the attack destroyed a command-and-control centre and hangars housing MQ-9 drones.
Qatar says missile intercepted
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its armed forces intercepted a missile targeting the country. No further details were immediately released.
UAE activates air defences
The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were engaging incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
The Ministry of Defence said explosions heard across parts of the country were the result of interception operations.
Qatar raises security alert
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to remain indoors or move to safe locations after raising the country’s security threat level.
Bahrain sounds air raid sirens
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said air raid sirens had been activated and advised residents to seek shelter until further notice.
Crew abandons damaged container ship
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the crew of the Cyprus-flagged container ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz had evacuated after a fire broke out onboard.
CENTCOM said the vessel sustained severe engine room damage and that one civilian crew member remained missing.
UKMTO issues navigation warning
UKMTO also reported an incident about nine nautical miles east of the Omani coast involving a damaged container ship that caught fire.
Commercial vessels transiting the area were advised to exercise heightened caution.
Explosions reported across southern Iran
Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Bandar-e Deyr, Asaluyeh and Jask as US strikes continued.
US launches third wave of strikes
CENTCOM said the latest operation was launched after the IRGC allegedly attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military said the strikes were intended to further weaken Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping passing through one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” after its forces fired warning shots at a vessel accused of taking an unauthorised route.
According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the ship was stopped after being hit by the warning fire. The IRGC said the closure was being imposed because of what it described as security threats arising from “illegal intervention by foreigners”, adding that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would not resume until US military intervention in the region had ended.
