US strikes Iran city hosting nuclear plant

The United States and Iran are engaged in a new phase of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, following a series of coordinated strikes and retaliatory actions that began on July 14, 2026. According to reports, the U.S. military conducted a third consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting key locations such as the coastal cities of Bushehr and Bandar Abbas. These operations aim to degrade Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the strategically critical waterway. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade on Iranian ports and proposed a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through the strait, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward the region. The situation escalated rapidly after Iran struck two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of one crew member, according to the United Arab Emirates. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched missiles and drones on Bahrain, targeting a residential area housing U.S. forces and other installations. Trump vowed to continue the offensive, stating, “We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, and we’re going to hit them hard tomorrow.” His comments were made during a press briefing at the White House, underscoring the administration’s commitment to maintaining control over the strait. The recent developments come amid renewed tensions following U.S.-Israel attacks in February, which led to Iran’s decision to block the strait. Although a preliminary agreement was reached in June to ease restrictions, the current crisis suggests that stability in the region remains fragile. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Iranian ports along the waterway would be blockaded starting at 2000 GMT on July 14, effectively cutting off access to critical maritime routes. Iran’s actions extended beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with reports indicating that the country launched missile attacks on several U.S. allies in the region, including Jordan. Jordan claimed to have intercepted four missiles originating from Iran, prompting calls for the removal of American military presence in the area. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that their strikes targeted U.S. forces stationed at an air base and urged Jordanians to demand the withdrawal of foreign troops from the region. The conflict has taken on a broader dimension as Iran threatens to retaliate against any cooperation between Gulf nations and the United States. A spokesperson for Iran’s military command warned that such alliances would constitute “an act of war,” signaling a potential expansion of hostilities. Meanwhile, Trump has intensified his rhetoric, declaring on social media that the United States would be known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT” and imposing a 20 percent levy on all cargo transiting the waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Trump’s announcements with sarcasm, acknowledging the principle behind the idea of compensating for securing safe passage but suggesting that Tehran would impose lower fees. He emphasized that the proposed 20 percent charge was excessive, highlighting the disparity in approaches between the two nations. Washington has consistently opposed Iran’s attempts to establish tolls in the strait, citing international law that prohibits such practices. Despite the escalating hostilities, Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal with Iran to conclude the ongoing conflict. This stance contrasts sharply with the current trajectory of events, raising questions about the feasibility of diplomatic resolution. The U.S. president also directed attention to another front, threatening to target Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility near Natanz, where Western intelligence agencies believe Iran is developing an unacknowledged enrichment program. Trump’s warning to Iran underscored the administration’s readiness to escalate tensions further if necessary.