This frame grab from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows a cargo ship anchored near the Strait of Hormuz in Khor Fakkan, off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.
– | AFP | getty images
The US launched strikes against Iran for the third night in a row on President Donald Trump’s orders, as Iranian missiles targeted two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and prompted warnings of airstrikes across the Gulf.
US Central Command said attacks will continue “Imposing a heavy price on the Iranian military” and reducing Tehran’s ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The military action came hours after Trump ordered the reinstatement of the blockade on Iran at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday and a 20% toll fee for ships sailing through the vital energy waterway.
Iran retaliated on Tuesday morning by targeting Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The UAE Defense Ministry said on Tuesday morning that the national tankers Mombasa and AI Bahia were Hit by two Iranian cruise missiles In the southern lane of the strait, inside Omani territorial waters. The attack killed one Indian crew member aboard Mombasa, injured eight others and caused “physical damage” to both tankers as a result of an onboard fire.
The ministry said it would “remain at the highest level of readiness and preparedness to deal with any threat” and will take all necessary measures to respond to any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, also came under renewed attack and missile-warning sirens were sounded early Tuesday. According to the Associated PressAs Iran responded to the US attacks.
Traffic through Hormuz is slowing down again Nearly 52% decline in confirmed crossings According to Kpler, traffic returned to a “more defensive routing pattern” week after week during July 10–12 – with increased use of Iranian and dark routes while avoiding Omani and International Maritime Organization authorized corridors.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, war risk premiums for the Strait of Hormuz are expected to rise sharply as the market reacts to rising tensions, as shipowners and charterers put transit decisions through the waterway on hold.
The attacks have unraveled the ceasefire that followed an interim US-Iran agreement signed last month that was intended to allow for 60 days of talks to reopen the strait and halt hostilities.
The rise in the field pushed Brent crude up 2% to $85 a barrel on Tuesday, while US West Texas Intermediate rose 2.3% to $80 amid renewed uncertainty over commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which before the conflict carried a fifth of the world’s oil and gas.