The prospect of a deal between Iran and the United States is fading, as the latest escalation at the Strait of Hormuz further strains relations between the two sides, with Tehran appearing to have seized control of the strategically vital waterway. The situation in the region deteriorated following Iran’s attack on two vessels — one of which was flying a Cypriot flag — and the United States’ response with a sweeping wave of missile strikes. Ibrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Policy and National Security, posted on X: “We have taken control of the Strait of Hormuz by force and will maintain it by force as well.”
Meanwhile, Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice, warning that any response to its actions would be met with a “fierce reply.” Iran also signaled that in the event of further attacks, it would consider striking “additional hostile bases in the region.”
Strait of Hormuz: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announcement
The United States announced it had carried out strikes on nine cities across five Iranian provinces, with at least 140 targets hit, according to the latest available count.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had destroyed a command-and-control center and drone hangars in Jordan. It also claimed to have struck a US radar base in Kuwait, American aircraft carrier support and refueling platforms in Oman, and an aircraft maintenance facility along with a command installation in Qatar.
At the same time, Iran left open the possibility of expanding its operations against Israel, following through on a warning issued Friday that it would strike Israeli targets if US military operations continued.
Iranian security officials told the IRIB news agency that US forces had attacked a military installation on the outskirts of the city of Yasuj, in the southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
Qatar threatens to respond
Iran launched an attack on Qatar, leaving three people injured. Qatar says it reserves the right to “respond” following a series of Iranian missile strikes.
The United Arab Emirates stated that its defense systems intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iran, while air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain and explosions were heard in Doha. The Jordanian military said three Iranian missiles landed on its territory but caused no casualties.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it confirms “the continuation of these attacks represents a dangerous escalation that will complicate efforts aimed at containing tensions [and] will undermine political and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving security and stability.”
🇺🇸140 alvos atingidos: EUA divulgam detalhes de grande ataque contra o Irã
As forças americanas atacaram instalações iranianas de mísseis e drones, capacidades navais, depósitos de munição, redes de comunicação e postos de vigilância costeira, informou o Centcom. pic.twitter.com/4ITUpUR0P4
— RT Brasil (@rtnoticias_br) July 12, 2026
“Qatar holds the Islamic Republic of Iran fully and legally responsible for these attacks and all their effects and consequences,” the ministry said in a statement.
The attacks constitute a “blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the country and a “flagrant breach of international law,” it added.
Calls for restraint
Pakistan’s foreign minister called for “de-escalation” in the Middle East conflict and urged all parties to “exercise restraint” during a phone call today with his Iranian counterpart, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar “emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving differences and establishing lasting peace and stability in the region,” during the call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Pakistani foreign ministry clarified.
The maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains at its highest rating, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
