US, Iran exchange fresh missile strikes as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate

Iran says it had launched strikes against US military facilities in several Gulf states and announced that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing regional security concerns

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 13rd, 2026) The United States and Iran exchanged a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Sunday, intensifying tensions across the Gulf region and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.

Iran said it had launched strikes against US military facilities in several Gulf states and announced that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing regional security concerns. The latest escalation has cast doubt on the future of a temporary US-Iran understanding reached last month, which sought to reopen the strategic waterway and pave the way for further negotiations.

The exchange of attacks marked one of the most significant escalations in recent weeks, with Iran expanding its operations to additional Gulf countries. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reported missile and drone activity, while regional air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats.

The US Central Command confirmed that American forces launched fresh strikes against Iranian targets on Sunday, saying the operations were aimed at reducing Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. US officials also said American forces intercepted an Iranian cruise missile and a one-way attack drone during the latest hostilities.

Iranian authorities reported explosions near the southern port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as Qeshm Island, where key military installations are located.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the latest US military action and accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts. It said recent talks held in Muscat on navigation arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz failed to produce an agreement due to what it described as US pressure on regional mediators.

Iranian officials maintained that the country has the sovereign right to regulate maritime traffic through the strategic waterway and warned that restrictions would remain in place until regional stability is restored.

The renewed conflict has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. International oil prices rose sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption to maritime trade.

Several Gulf countries reported security incidents linked to the escalation. Qatar said debris from intercepted projectiles injured three people, while Bahrain, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait also reported missile or drone activity and reinforced security measures. Oman summoned Iran's ambassador to protest over drone attacks, while authorities advised vessels to exercise extreme caution in the region.

The latest military exchanges have further increased uncertainty over prospects for renewed diplomacy, with regional stability and global energy markets remaining under intense pressure.