Iran Hits 2 Tankers and US Radar Sites as Houthis Threaten Saudi Port Blockade
Updated
Updated · News24 · Jul 21
Iran Hits 2 Tankers and US Radar Sites as Houthis Threaten Saudi Port Blockade
3 articles · Updated · News24 · Jul 21
Summary
Iran said it struck US radar, air-defence and administrative sites in Kuwait and Bahrain hours after Washington launched a fresh round of attacks, and warned of more powerful drone and missile waves.
Two oil tankers trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz were hit and halted, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, while UKMTO separately reported projectile strikes on tankers off Oman.
The new US strikes followed the deaths of at least 3 American soldiers in recent days; the Pentagon said nearly 100 US servicemembers have been wounded since 7 July.
Yemen’s Houthis then widened the threat by announcing a blockade of Saudi ports, a move Riyadh condemned and one that could disrupt Saudi exports routed outside Hormuz.
The fighting has resumed after an April ceasefire and June framework deal collapsed, with Tehran still saying indirect diplomatic contacts with Washington continue.
Are America's Gulf allies seeking new protectors, signaling a historic power shift in the Middle East?
As America is drawn deeper into war with Iran, is China quietly winning a strategic victory in Asia?
With a peace deal dead, what is the ultimate price for reopening the world's most vital waterway?
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Collapses by 95% Amid US-Iran War: Global Energy and Security Fallout
Overview
In early July 2026, the fragile de-escalation agreement between the United States and Iran, signed on June 17 to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, quickly unraveled after a major strike just 20 days into the 60-day window. This collapse led to the breakdown of the interim deal and triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities, pushing both nations closer to all-out war. As a result, military actions intensified, shipping traffic nearly halted, and the risk of broader regional conflict grew, highlighting how the failure of diplomatic efforts can rapidly spiral into widespread crisis.