Iran and US escalate standoff over Strait of Hormuz blockade

In mid-July 2026, tensions between Iran and the United States escalated sharply over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced it was withdrawing from a previous deal with the US and declared that controlling the strait was a must, vowing to keep it closed until what it called the end of America's evils. The IRGC warned it might block additional waterways, while Iran-linked vessels were reported to have passed through the strait ahead of a renewed US blockade. The US responded by resuming daylight strikes on Iran and President Trump vowed to escalate attacks until Iran relents.