Strait of Hormuz blocked again: US strikes on Iran worsen situation

Tehran – 18/07/2026: The Strait of Hormuz has again been largely blocked to regular commercial shipping after another night of American attacks on targets in Iran. Iranian authorities said the passage would remain closed until further notice. Several media outlets also report ongoing US military operations and a sharply deteriorating security situation in the Persian Gulf.

The latest escalation follows seven nights of United States attacks against military targets in Iran. According to information available so far, Washington says the operations are intended to protect international shipping and contain Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Tehran rejects this account and holds the American operations responsible for the renewed insecurity on the region’s most important maritime route.

Independently verifiable information on the exact extent of the closure, the number of ships passing through and possible damage was not fully available by Saturday midday. However, reports of halted tankers and cargo ships indicate that shipping companies are avoiding the passage, postponing voyages or keeping vessels waiting in safe positions. This significantly increases the risk for crews.

The strait between Iran and Oman connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. It is of central importance for exports of crude oil, liquefied gas and other goods from the Gulf states. A prolonged disruption could strain supply chains and place additional pressure on prices in international energy markets.

Tensions had already intensified in recent days. According to Washington, Iranian military facilities were attacked that, in the American account, could be used to threaten commercial shipping. Iran, for its part, reported attacks on ships and targets in the region. The competing accounts cannot be independently confirmed on several points.

The renewed blockade also jeopardizes diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation. Only in June, the United States and Iran signed a protocol for further talks. The continued attacks and restrictions on maritime traffic now show that no lasting de-escalation has resulted so far. International organizations and neighboring states are monitoring developments closely.

For European countries, including France, the crisis is particularly relevant because of its potential consequences for energy prices, trade and the safety of their own nationals in the region. The key question will be whether safe passage for civilian ships can be restored in the short term. Until then, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear and highly dangerous from a military perspective.