The United States intensified its military operations with further early Monday (July 20, 2026) against Iran, amid escalating tensions in West Asia. This action follows reports from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of explosions disabling two oil tankers attempting to navigate the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime passage for global oil shipments, and disruptions pose significant risks to international energy supply and regional stability.
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran seeks to use the Strait of Hormuz to gain leverage in the West Asia conflict. He urged the international community to increase pressure on Iran to protect global shipping routes, noting factions within the country aim to exploit the strategic waterway for global leverage.
