US Airstrikes Target Iran in Strait of Hormuz – Escalation Amid 60‑Day Interim Deal

Overview The U.S. military carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Strait of Hormuz on the night of 13 July 2026 . The strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s capability to attack commercial vessels transiting the strait. Iran retaliated by firing projectiles at Gulf Arab states, pushing the fragile interim deal towards collapse. Key Developments U.S. airstrikes hit Iranian missile, air‑defence systems and Revolutionary Guard boats at multiple sites. Iranian forces fired at military targets on Qeshm Island; explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas and Hajiabad. Three rounds of U.S. strikes have been conducted in the past week, each larger than the previous. Gulf states reported missile alerts; Qatar intercepted Iranian fire, causing civilian injuries. Oman summoned the Iranian ambassador, labeling the attacks “irresponsible.” Important Facts • The Greater Tunb Island was identified as a target of the U.S. airstrikes. • UN Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that a return to full‑scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences. • The U.S. 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, monitors naval activity in the region; missile alerts were heard across Bahrain. • Iran’s Revolutionary Guard suffered a reported officer fatality, according to semi‑official Iranian media. UPSC Relevance Understanding this escalation is vital for GS 2 (International Relations) and GS 3 (Security). The strait’s role in global energy supply links to economic security, while the diplomatic manoeuvring around the interim deal illustrates conflict resolution mechanisms. The involvement of the UN highlights the importance of multilateral institutions in de‑escalation. Way Forward • Both sides need to honour the 60‑day interim framework to prevent a full‑scale war. • Regional actors, especially Oman and Qatar, should continue diplomatic engagement to act as mediators. • The United States may consider calibrated naval presence to safeguard commercial shipping without further provoking Iran. • The UN should intensify diplomatic pressure and possibly deploy observers to monitor compliance with the cease‑fire terms.