US escalates strikes on Iran as Tehran closes Strait of Hormuz
Washington continues offensive operations following the downing of an Apache helicopter, while Iranian forces order all vessels out of the strategic waterway.
The United States has launched military attacks on multiple targets within Iran for a second consecutive day, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. The strikes follow explicit threats from US President Donald Trump, who affirmed his intention to continue severe military action against Tehran.
The escalation was triggered by the downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on June 10, President Trump stated he planned to "attack fiercely again today," signalling a resolve to persist with military operations despite emerging reports of diplomatic engagement facilitated by Qatar.
In direct response to the US offensive, Iran’s military command has ordered the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel traffic. The Khatam al-Anbiya command asserted that it would target any ship attempting to transit the strategic chokepoint, a move that threatens global maritime trade and underscores the severity of the crisis.
Reports from the Iranian navy indicate that two vessels were struck while attempting to pass through the waterway prior to the closure order. Tehran has maintained a stance of defiance throughout the escalation, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently holding discussions with counterparts in Britain, France, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan regarding ceasefire violations.
The current hostilities are part of a broader regional war that has intensified since late May 2026. This follows a fragile ceasefire established between Iran and Israel in early April 2026. Prior to the current US strikes, Israel conducted operations against military targets in western and central Iran, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan, following Iranian missile strikes on Israeli targets and operations by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan.
While diplomatic efforts are underway, President Trump has signalled that the US will not halt its military campaign. The situation remains volatile, with the exact number and specific nature of the Iranian targets struck by the US on the second day not fully detailed in initial reports. The precise status of the Strait of Hormuz closure and the extent of damage to the vessels reportedly struck by Iran also require further verification.
The conflict continues to draw in international actors, with Qatar facilitating engagement between the parties. However, the simultaneous progression of military strikes and diplomatic talks highlights the complex and fragile nature of the current geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
