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Strait of Hormuz Crisis 2026: U.S.-Iran Escalation Shuts Down 20 Million Barrels/Day, Global Oil and Shipping at Risk
Overview
In July 2026, the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz sharply escalated as the United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran, marking the sixth straight day of renewed fighting. These strikes targeted key Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and railway junctions, resulting in significant casualties and pushing the confrontation into a critical and dangerous phase. The U.S. aimed to assert control over this vital maritime chokepoint, but the violence led to a near-total halt in shipping and heightened global tensions, with both sides hardening their positions and the risk of wider regional instability growing rapidly.