On July 10, 2026, President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that U.S. military action against Iran had commenced on July 7. According to a letter obtained by CBS News, the president stated that American armed forces remain ready to take further action as necessary to counter threats from Iran and ensure the Islamic Republic ceases to pose a danger to the United States and its allies. This notification was presented as part of Trump's efforts to keep Congress fully informed in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours after initiating military hostilities.
The Trump administration had previously asserted that hostilities began in late February and formally ended on April 7 when both sides agreed to a ceasefire. However, the president declared the ceasefire "over" the previous week, coinciding with a renewed series of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets starting July 7. This escalation occurred amid increasing tensions between the two nations, including Iran's attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. military retaliations.
Last month, both the House and Senate passed a war powers resolution aimed at limiting the president's ability to conduct further military action against Iran without congressional authorization. Democrats have indicated they are exploring legal avenues to enforce compliance. Meanwhile, President Trump maintains that his actions are within his constitutional authority.
Amid the rising conflict, President Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would deliver a primetime address to the nation on Thursday evening at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. He did not provide further details about the content of the speech but emphasized its importance.
In a significant development related to maritime security, U.S. Central Command announced on July 13 that the United States would resume its naval blockade of Iranian ports starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, following direction from President Trump. This blockade is specifically aimed at restricting maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports, while allowing other countries' vessels to transit freely through the Strait of Hormuz. The president described this as "the Iranian blockade," clarifying that it targets only Iranian ships or customers. He indicated that the U.S. would assume control over the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% fee on cargo shipments passing through the strait, a move that drew varied reactions internationally.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the U.S. proposal for a toll on shipping with a social media post stating that Iran would be "fair" in determining any such fees. He emphasized that Iran has historically been the guardian of the Strait and intends to remain so, suggesting that a 20% toll would be excessive but that compensation for ensuring safe passage is reasonable.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for international shipping regulations, openly opposed the idea of tolls for passage through international waterways. The IMO stressed that no legal basis exists for mandatory tolls simply to transit a strait and reaffirmed that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of charges, in line with international law and the IMO Convention. The IMO also condemned attacks on commercial ships and called for de-escalation in the region.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating military confrontations in the Gulf region. His spokesman highlighted Guterres's alarm over U.S. strikes on Iran, Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on neighboring countries. The UN chief warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for regional populations, international peace and security, and the global economy, urging all parties to cease attacks immediately.
Data from maritime tracker Kpler showed that although Iran had announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed, the waterway remained partially open. On Sunday, only 14 vessels-half of which were commercial ships-crossed the strait, marking the lowest daily transit since mid-June. Traffic remained disrupted due to security risks, with many non-Iranian ships operating with their transponders switched off. Most vessels avoided the Iranian-designated northern route, which Iran insists ships use, favoring instead a southern route near Oman that the U.S. maintains is safe but Iran contests. The U.S. supports traffic through this corridor and provides assistance such as intercepting projectiles and advising on safe transit times.
Diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman continued regarding management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart in Muscat to discuss coordination between the two coastal nations, with further political and technical discussions planned. This cooperation stems from a memorandum of understanding signed by Iran and the U.S. in June, which included provisions on the future administration of the strategic waterway.
Regional tensions intensified as Iran claimed missile strikes on facilities in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait in retaliation for U.S. attacks. The Jordanian military reported intercepting several Iranian missiles, preventing damage or casualties. Qatar condemned Iran's strikes on neighboring Gulf states and called for dialogue and de-escalation. Qatar and Pakistan have acted as mediators between the U.S. and Iran, facilitating indirect talks earlier in the summer. However, President Trump indicated that the June memorandum of understanding is effectively over, casting doubt on prospects for renewed peace negotiations.
The United Kingdom announced plans to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under new legislation expected to be voted on by Parliament. This move aims to bolster efforts against espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference linked to Iran. The UK Home Office also named the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), associated with attacks on Jewish communities in the UK, and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps for inclusion in the ban. Officials highlighted links between the IRGC's Quds Force and IMCR's activities across Europe.
On the military front, U.S. Central Command reported that recent strikes targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, located on Iran's southwest coast along the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes employed three "Corsair" unmanned surface vessels, marking the first use of sea drones by American forces in combat. The Pentagon stated these operations degraded Iran's capacity to attack commercial shipping in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced that, due to U.S. military actions, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently unfeasible. The authority emphasized that vessels must apply for transit permits through Iran's official website and use the northern route near Iranian shores, reiterating Iran's claim over control of the waterway. Tehran does not recognize the southern route preferred by the U.S. and Oman, and Iranian forces have previously attacked vessels attempting to use it.
Iran's embassy in the UK declared that the Islamic Republic had established a temporary safe and secure maritime corridor free of technical and military barriers through the strait, signaling a possible reopening from Tehran's perspective. However, the U.S. military denied Iran's claim that it controls the strait, maintaining that the waterway remains open via the southern route.
Tensions remain high, with Iran asserting its strategic and economic stake in the Strait of Hormuz. Senior aide to Iran's Supreme Leader, Mohammed Mokhber, equated the importance of the strait to a historic battle, emphasizing Iran's resolve to defend it and reject any foreign demands or concessions related to passage fees.
President Trump, speaking on Fox News, reiterated the U.S. position that it would assume control of the Strait of Hormuz and become its "guardian angel." He asserted that wealthy neighboring nations, presumably Persian Gulf energy producers supportive of the U.S., should reimburse America for the costs of ensuring security along this volatile shipping lane. Trump claimed the U.S. had guarded the strait for over 50 years without compensation and would now seek payment.
The ongoing conflict has led to casualties; Iranian news agencies reported that U.S. strikes killed two people and wounded three more in Iran's oil-producing Khuzestan province near the borders with Kuwait and Iraq. Additionally, Iranian forces fired warning shots at two ships attempting to transit the strait.
Explosions of unknown origin were reported near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island in southern Iran, close to the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after the exchange of attacks. The situation remains volatile with military and diplomatic efforts occurring simultaneously.
Iran continues to engage in talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman aimed at preventing further escalation. Iranian officials emphasized a dual approach, combining military readiness with diplomatic initiatives to protect national interests.
However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman blamed the U.S. for escalating tensions and declared recent diplomatic efforts futile, accusing Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding by creating unsafe transit routes and hindering Iran's work to secure the strait.
The U.S. military resumed significant strikes on June 7, citing retaliation for Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. The UN Secretary-General has warned of potentially devastating consequences should full-scale hostilities resume.
Oil markets reacted to the conflict, with Brent crude rising nearly 5% to $79.59 per barrel and U.S. benchmark crude climbing nearly 5% to $74.85 per barrel. Prices had previously declined to levels seen before the outbreak of hostilities, following a fragile truce and resumption of shipping through the strait.
In summary, the situation in the Persian Gulf remains tense and fluid. The United States has formally declared ongoing military operations against Iran and resumed a naval blockade of Iranian ports, asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejects U.S. claims, insisting on its sovereignty over the waterway and continuing attacks on shipping and regional neighbors. International bodies and regional actors call for restraint and dialogue, but the risk of further escalation persists amid complex political, military, and economic stakes.