Rapid Escalation: Open Confrontation Between Iran and the United States in the Persian Gulf

The Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz witnessed their most intense military escalation today, July 12, since the current tensions began. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the execution of a "third round" of strikes against Iranian military targets, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a series of retaliatory missile and drone attacks against U.S. bases in the region.

Today’s Developments (July 12):

• U.S. Strikes: CENTCOM announced that it targeted approximately 140 Iranian military sites between the evening of July 11 and this morning. Using fighter jets, drones, and warships, the operations struck ammunition depots, communication networks, and coastal radar systems. The U.S. stated these strikes were in retaliation for an Iranian attack on the Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel "M/V GFS Galaxy," which resulted in the ship being disabled and the loss of one crew member.

• Iranian Response: For its part, the IRGC and the Iranian Army announced large-scale operations in response to "American aggression." These operations targeted U.S. bases in Jordan (Prince Hassan Air Base), Qatar (Al Udeid Air Base), and Oman (Duqm Port), as well as Patriot missile systems and radar installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran confirmed the use of ballistic missiles (such as the Kheibar Shekan and Zolfaghar) and suicide drones.

Field Context (July 7–12):

Today’s events culminate a series of escalating clashes:

▪️ July 7–8: U.S. military operations began with strikes on approximately 170 Iranian military targets over two days, in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.

▪️ Total Toll: Over three days of fighting, CENTCOM reported striking more than 300 Iranian military targets. Meanwhile, Iranian sources confirmed 17 deaths and 115 injuries resulting from the U.S. strikes, which impacted coastal cities and military sites.

The Battle of Narratives over the "Strait of Hormuz":

The Strait has emerged as a primary theater for both political and military conflict:

• The Iranian Stance: The IRGC declared the Strait closed to international shipping, insisting that any transit must be conducted under "Iranian arrangements" and its direct supervision, threatening to target any naval vessel that violates these terms.

• The U.S. Stance: Washington categorically rejects these claims, asserting that the "Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, not under Iranian control." In statements released today, CENTCOM emphasized that commercial traffic continues and that U.S. forces are facilitating the passage of vessels to ensure freedom of navigation despite Iranian threats.

Tensions remain extremely high, with conflicting reports regarding the status of navigation. While Tehran insists on the closure of the Strait and asserts its control, the U.S. Central Command maintains that shipping continues to flow and that its forces are prepared to ensure this vital corridor remains open to global trade.