Trump: "New war with Iran, it will be quick, we will control Hormuz".

On July 14, 2026, tensions escalated dramatically in the Gulf as Iranian forces launched attacks against two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from multiple regional and international media outlets. The strikes, which left one crew member dead and eight others injured, were carried out using missiles and drones, as confirmed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. This followed a broader pattern of military activity, with at least a dozen U.S. military aircraft observed flying over the coastlines of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These flights came after the U.S. Central Command announced a new wave of attacks targeting Iranian assets. The situation was further complicated by President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intended to reinstate a policy of blocking Iranian vessels from passing through the strategic waterway. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized his belief that the U.S. should charge the Gulf states, specifically Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, for the protection they receive from American military efforts. “We are protecting one of the richest regions in the world,” he declared, adding that the U.S. would seek reimbursement for its role in safeguarding maritime trade routes. He also reiterated that a new agreement with Tehran remained possible, though he dismissed the feasibility of implementing the 20% toll system previously proposed. Trump’s remarks drew immediate criticism, particularly from political figures such as Senator Marco Rubio and former presidential candidate JD Vance, who argued that the plan was impractical given current geopolitical realities. Despite this, Trump maintained his stance, asserting that the conflict with Iran would be swift and decisive. “We will hit all their capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated, suggesting a potential military escalation. His comments echoed concerns raised by investors, who have already begun reacting to the unfolding crisis. In response to the escalating hostilities, European stock markets opened lower, reflecting investor anxiety over the potential economic fallout from renewed Middle East tensions. The CAC 40 in Paris fell by 0.91%, while the DAX 30 in Frankfurt dropped 0.72%. London’s FTSE 100 declined slightly, and indices in Madrid and Milan also recorded losses. Meanwhile, energy prices surged, with Brent crude futures climbing 1.73% to $84.74 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) surpassing $79 per barrel, a weekly gain exceeding 10%. Natural gas prices also rose sharply, reaching $53 per megawatt-hour, the highest level in over three months. The spike in energy costs has intensified fears of inflation and prompted speculation about potential interest rate hikes. Investors are closely watching upcoming reports on U.S. inflation data and financial results from major American banks. The situation has also cast doubt on the stability of global supply chains, especially as the Gulf region continues to play a critical role in global oil and gas exports. Recent recovery efforts in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the Middle East had been gaining momentum following a temporary truce between the U.S. and Iran in June, but these gains appear to be under threat once again. As the conflict unfolds, the focus remains on how the U.S. and its allies will navigate the complex web of diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the region. With both sides demonstrating increasing willingness to escalate hostilities, the coming days will likely see more intense scrutiny of the situation, including potential responses from international organizations and neighboring countries. For now, the market reaction underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding the region’s future.