US vs Iran War: How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Sparked 8 Days of Strikes | Full Timeline | Today’s news
The United States and Iran have entered a new phase in the escalating conflict, with Washington carrying out an eighth straight night of airstrikes against Iranian targets and Tehran launching retaliatory strikes across the Persian Gulf. The latest US strikes targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops, coastal surveillance systems and air defense equipment, following an Iranian missile and drone attack on a US base in Jordan that killed two US service members. The renewed hostilities come after the collapse of the June 2026 temporary ceasefire and the suspension of diplomatic efforts, with control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program at the center of the confrontation.
The latest wave of US-Iranian hostility began after a fragile interim ceasefire agreement collapsed in early July 2026, reigniting tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. The escalation was triggered after Washington accused Tehran of threatening commercial shipping and violating truce commitments, while Iran denied the accusations and warned against foreign control of the strategic waterway. The first major flare-up came on July 7, when attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of renewed conflict and prompted the US to step up pressure on Tehran. Days later, Washington launched a new campaign of airstrikes against Iran’s military infrastructure, including missile, drone and coastal defense sites, as Iran retaliated with attacks on US-linked and allied facilities in the Persian Gulf. The confrontation has since escalated into a wider military standoff, with both sides trading strikes for eight consecutive nights and threatening further escalation.
Notable cases in escalation:
July 7: Tanker attacks threaten fragile ceasefire
A Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi Arabian tanker were damaged near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of renewed energy market disruption.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) raised the maritime threat level for the waterway to “severe”, warning of hostile actions and disruptions to shipping.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the attacks, while Doha summoned the representative of Iran’s ambassador in protest.
The US revoked a license allowing Iran to sell oil, increasing pressure on Tehran.
July 9-10: US strikes intensify as Iran mourns Khamenei
The US military has carried out strikes on around 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems, missile facilities and drone storage facilities.
Iran has accused Washington of striking areas near the Bushehra nuclear facility and the Tehran-Mashhad railway ahead of the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran attacked US-linked facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.
Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles while Tehran reported casualties from US strikes.
July 12: Iran announces the closure of the Straits of Hormuz
After the US strikes, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and launched attacks on its neighbors in the Persian Gulf.
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Jordan reported Iranian attacks on military and civilian targets.
US Central Command rejected Iran’s demand for a shutdown, saying sea traffic continued.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the fighting.
July 13: Trump threatens US control of Hormuz
President Donald Trump said the US was “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz and demanded that wealthy nations pay Washington to protect the waterway.
Iran has rejected any US role in managing the strait and has warned Gulf countries against cooperating with Washington.
Iranian forces have claimed attacks on US-linked facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman.
Oil prices rose as markets responded to rising risks.
July 14: Strikes hit nuclear power plant area, Gulf attacks expand
The US launched a third round of airstrikes targeting locations including Bushehr, Abadan, Mahshahr, Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
Jordan and Bahrain intercepted Iranian missiles, while Kuwait reported explosions from air defense operations.
The UAE has accused Iran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
India protested against Tehran after attacks on ships killed an Indian sailor.
July 15-16: Iran threatens an extended blockade of Hormuz
US forces have targeted Iran’s coastal defense systems, missile sites and naval capabilities around Greater Tunb Island.
Iran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US attacks end and threaten other regional energy routes.
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on US-linked facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Pakistan has called on Washington and Tehran to stop the fighting and resume negotiations.
July 17: Commercial shipping is attacked
The US has launched a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure.
Iran has claimed attacks on US-linked facilities in Kuwait, Oman and Syria, including the Al-Tanf base.
Off Oman, a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile, while another vessel was hit by a drone near the Iraqi port of Basra.
Iran has reported at least 38 dead and more than 400 wounded in US strikes since June 22.
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July 18: US strikes Iran for seventh night as Tehran vows full retaliation, Gulf attacks widen
The US carried out a seventh straight night of strikes, targeting surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons depots and naval capabilities.
Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on US positions in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
Jordan said it had intercepted 10 Iranian missiles, while Bahrain reported intercepting missile attacks.
Kuwait accused Iran of attacking civilian infrastructure, including a power plant and a hydroelectric plant.
Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei warned that Tehran would no longer limit itself to proportionate retaliation.
July 19: The US begins an eighth night of strikes
US Central Command has confirmed another wave of attacks targeting Iran’s coastal surveillance systems, air defenses, naval assets and missile and drone depots.
Washington said the attacks were in retaliation for an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan that killed two US soldiers.
CENTCOM said more than 50,000 US troops remain deployed in the Middle East and are ready for further operations.
Iran has accused Washington of violating the accords and warned the US that it would face “unforgettable lessons” if the attacks continue.
Current situation
The conflict continues to center on three main flashpoints: control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and the security of US forces and allies in the Persian Gulf. Despite calls for diplomacy from China, Pakistan, Oman and the United Nations, continued strikes and naval incidents have raised the risk of a wider regional confrontation.
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