Washington/Tehran: The Middle East plunged deeper into crisis on Sunday after the United States launched one of its largest military offensives against Iran, striking nearly 140 military targets across the country. In a swift retaliation, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoint—raising fears of a wider regional conflict and a potential shock to global energy markets.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the coordinated strikes targeted missile launchers, drone bases, naval facilities, command-and-control centres, radar systems and other key military infrastructure linked to Iran’s armed forces. Washington said the operation was carried out in response to Iran’s alleged attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which caught fire after reportedly being hit by an Iranian missile.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has completed a third round of strikes this week against Iranian military targets in response to another attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, approximately 140 military targets were struck during… pic.twitter.com/qyqOhYttD7

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 12, 2026

Soon after the strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice,” warning that no commercial or military vessel would be allowed to pass while what it called “US aggression” continued in the region. The narrow waterway handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade, making any disruption a serious threat to global energy supplies and international shipping.

The confrontation quickly widened beyond Iranian territory. Reports said Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US military installations and allied countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Several Gulf states activated their air defence systems, with authorities reporting that multiple incoming projectiles had been intercepted. Damage assessments are still underway.

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States was prepared to carry out additional military operations if Iran continued to threaten international shipping or American interests in the region. Tehran, however, vowed to retaliate further, insisting it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz under military pressure.

The dramatic escalation has triggered fresh alarm across global financial and energy markets, with analysts warning that any prolonged closure of the Strait could send crude oil prices soaring, disrupt international trade and deepen geopolitical instability across the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts by regional powers and international mediators are continuing, but hopes for an immediate de-escalation remain uncertain.

Key Highlights

• US launched strikes on around 140 Iranian military targets in one of its biggest operations against Tehran.
• Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping route.
• Tehran reportedly fired missiles and drones at US bases and Gulf allies.
• Global markets are closely watching for disruptions in oil supplies and maritime trade.
• The latest confrontation marks one of the most dangerous phases in the ongoing US-Iran conflict.