# U.S. launches new strikes against Iran Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz - **Source:** [US Top News and Analysis](https://brifing.si/source/635540e9-943e-450d-ae52-ae0bfe3b67eb) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/649c8962-8476-403a-b214-cf0f951c827d ## U.S. strikes on Iran The U.S. conducted consecutive strikes on Iranian military targets for the third night. These attacks further degraded Iran's capabilities in commercial maritime operations. U.S. forces targeted Iran's coastal defense systems, missile, and drone sites. ## Iran's retaliatory attacks In response to U.S. strikes, Iran targeted locations in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Two Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian missiles. The attacks resulted in the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to eight others. ## Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz significantly impacted maritime traffic. According to Kpler data, crossings through the strait decreased by 52% weekly. Shipowners and charterers paused decisions to transit through the strait. ## Rising oil prices Regional tensions drove oil prices higher. Brent crude rose by 2% to $85 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate increased by 2.3% to $80. This surge was fueled by uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of the world's oil and gas. ## U.S. blockade in the strait U.S. President Trump ordered a blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. A 20% toll charge was proposed for ships passing through the strait. This move further heightened regional tensions. ## Regional security and stability The UAE Ministry of Defense stated it remains prepared to address any threats to the country's security and stability. Bahrain also sounded missile alarms, increasing security concerns in the region. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/14/us-iran-hormuz-strikes-oil-toll.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._