Updated · United News of Bangladesh - UNB · Jul 16
US Expands Strikes Into Northern Iran, Disables Tanker as Brent Tops $85
Updated
Updated · United News of Bangladesh - UNB · Jul 16
US Expands Strikes Into Northern Iran, Disables Tanker as Brent Tops $85
3 articles · Updated · United News of Bangladesh - UNB · Jul 16
Summary
US forces struck areas around Tehran and Semnan before dawn Thursday and disabled the Curacao-flagged tanker Belma near Kharg Island, saying it ignored repeated blockade warnings.
Iran answered with missiles and drones aimed at Bahrain and Kuwait after Washington restored its naval blockade Wednesday and resumed daylight strikes to pressure Tehran over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials said US attacks have killed more than 35 people and wounded over 300, while state media reported a separate strike on a Sistan and Baluchestan barracks killed seven soldiers.
The renewed exchanges have badly weakened an interim agreement, and Tehran warned it was ready for broader war and could halt all Middle East energy exports if the blockade continues.
Brent crude traded above $85 a barrel—more than 15% above prewar levels—as Washington still struggles to reopen Hormuz, a task experts say could require a far larger force.
As Iran's military seizes control, can diplomacy still prevent an all-out war with the United States?
Are new Gulf pipelines making Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz obsolete as a strategic weapon?
Is this escalating conflict destined to become a 'frozen war' that permanently destabilizes the Middle East?
US-Iran Conflict July 2026: Ceasefire Collapse, 414 Wounded, Strait of Hormuz Blocked, Oil Soars
Overview
In July 2026, the conflict between the United States and Iran sharply escalated after President Trump declared the ceasefire over. This led to a third weekend of intense fighting, with the US launching airstrikes on Iranian bases following Iran’s interception of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump insisted the Strait remained open, but also warned of further US action. Iran responded by attacking US bases and closing the Strait, causing damage to oil tankers and raising global tensions. These events highlight a dangerous cycle of military actions and retaliation, with serious consequences for regional stability and global energy markets.