U.S., Iran Engage in Strait of Hormuz Conflict

The United States and Iran have exchanged strikes on July 13, with both countries claiming control of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has disrupted a key global oil and gas route, with Iran targeting vessels and traffic dropping sharply due to security concerns. The U.S. military has struck dozens of targets in Iran, including air defense systems, radar sites, and missile and drone equipment. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has rejected America’s statement, saying the Strait of Hormuz is their territory and they will not allow the U.S. to interfere. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has called for the strait to be open, saying freedom of navigation must be respected. The conflict has raised concerns of a global energy crisis, with oil prices having dropped from wartime highs of $120 a barrel. The U.S. and Iran are nearly halfway through a 60-day interim deal period, which was supposed to set up talks for a permanent end to the war. However, the situation has devolved into a series of attacks over the strait and its future, worrying world leaders that the Iran war could fully resume. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences.