Iran War News Highlights: Have launched new strikes against Iran, says US military

Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz earlier on Monday night, Axios reported, citing two US officials.

Strait of HormuzCargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz. (File Photo)

Three commercial tankers have now been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has said, marking a further escalation in attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway. Earlier, a Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged near the waterway after reports that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at commercial vessels transiting Hormuz.

The LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, owned by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), was struck on its port side while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources. A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the supertanker Wedyan, also sustained damage off the coast of Oman.

Story continues below this ad

Earlier, a tanker had caught fire after being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, Britain’s maritime security agency said. Iranian state television claimed the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings to use Tehran’s approved shipping route, but stopped short of officially claiming responsibility. The incident comes days after a temporary US-Iran arrangement on shipping through the strait expired, raising fresh concerns over the future of the fragile agreement.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral underway

The attack unfolded as Iran continued funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the holy city of Qom, where hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered before his burial later this week in Mashhad. The funeral has become a major political event, with anti-US slogans echoing through the crowds, while Khamenei’s successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance amid reports he remains in hiding following the strike that killed his father.

Diplomacy remains on hold

Talks between Washington and Tehran are not expected to resume until after Khamenei’s burial, even as US President Donald Trump warned Iran to “make a deal, or we’re going to finish the job”.

Follow The Indian Express live blog for the latest updates on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Iran-US negotiations, Khamenei’s funeral, Israel’s military operations and other major developments from West Asia.

Live Updates
Jul 8, 2026 05:51 AM IST
Iran slams US violations of MoU as blasts rock Qeshm, Sirik and Bandar Abbas

Local authorities say at least six sounds of explosions have been heard on the island of Qeshm, in which a wharf is said to be targeted.

Between seven to nine explosions have been reported there, and a commercial and a fishing wharf is said to have been attacked in Sirik.

And in the city of Bandar Abbas, the biggest port city of Iran, 10 explosions have been heard too, targeting different places. Again, according to initial reports, telecommunications towers and other places including fishing wharfs have been targeted.

The deputy foreign minister of the country says the US military operations are considered as a violation of the MoU. And regarding the reports and the statements about the so called Iranian attacks – Tehran has called it questionable accusations.

Al Jazeera

Jul 8, 2026 05:49 AM IST
Iranian TV says several people are injured

Several people were injured after being hit by shrapnel from an "enemy projectile" at the commercial pier in Sirik, according to an Iranian state TV reporter in Sirik.

The reporter said the injured were transferred to a hospital in Minab.

The report did not provide further details on the number of casualties.

Reuters

Jul 8, 2026 02:57 AM IST
Have launched new strikes against Iran: US military

The US military launched a series of strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday after three merchant ships were struck in the waters off Oman.

In a statement posted to social media, U.S. Central Command said American forces launched the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

“Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” the statement said. AP

Jul 7, 2026 10:38 PM IST
UK summons Iranian diplomat over attack on Iran International journalist

The UK Foreign Office has summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires over the 2024 attack on Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati, escalating diplomatic pressure on Tehran following developments in the criminal case.

The move comes after two Romanian nationals were sentenced for their role in the attack on Zeraati. In a statement, the UK government said the summons was issued in response to the incident, underscoring Britain's concerns over the targeting of journalists and holding Iran to account through diplomatic channels.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jul 7, 2026 10:35 PM IST
Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed 4,320 since March

Lebanon's Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 has risen to 4,320, with a further 12,203 people wounded.

(Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 09:50 PM IST
What we know about the three tankers hit in the Strait of Hormuz

Three commercial tankers have been hit in separate attacks in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two days, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), raising fresh concerns over the security of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

The first vessel targeted was the Qatari LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, which was struck near Limah, Oman, while transiting south towards the Gulf of Oman. Qatar condemned the attack as an "unacceptable attack" on international navigation and held Iran "fully legally responsible". Iranian state television said the vessel had ignored warnings before coming under attack but stopped short of officially claiming responsibility. Two other tankers were later struck, including one reportedly hit by a drone and another that caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman. The UKMTO said all three vessels sustained damage, but no casualties have been reported.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 09:30 PM IST
Three tankers struck in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency says three tankers have been struck in separate incidents while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with the latest vessel catching fire off the coast of Oman.

According to the UKMTO, the third tanker was hit by a projectile and caught fire while sailing near Oman. Iranian state television said the LNG carrier came under attack after ignoring warnings. Earlier, two other tankers were struck in the waterway, including one hit by a drone. The UKMTO said both vessels sustained damage, but no injuries have been reported. The incidents mark a further escalation in threats to commercial shipping through one of the world's busiest energy transit routes.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 08:49 PM IST
UKMTO says tanker in Strait of Hormuz hit by drone

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has said a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a drone, confirming the nature of the attack after earlier reporting that the vessel had been hit by an unidentified projectile.

In an updated advisory, the UKMTO urged ships passing through the strategic waterway to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. The agency did not identify the vessel involved or provide further details on the drone strike, as maritime security concerns continue to mount in the Strait of Hormuz.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 08:45 PM IST
NATO, Gulf states discuss Strait of Hormuz security at summit

NATO foreign ministers and Gulf Arab counterparts are meeting on the sidelines of the alliance's summit in Ankara to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz amid continuing tensions despite the interim US-Iran ceasefire.

Britain and France are expected to present plans for a multinational maritime mission aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. However, diplomats say any long-term arrangement would require Iran's approval, with Tehran continuing to reject a foreign military presence in the strait. The talks come after renewed attacks on commercial vessels and as US President Donald Trump criticised NATO allies for what he described as their lack of support during the conflict with Iran.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jul 7, 2026 08:11 PM IST
Three tankers struck in Strait of Hormuz, British military says

Three commercial tankers have now been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has said, marking a further escalation in attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

According to the UKMTO, a third tanker was hit by a drone on Tuesday, sustaining minor damage but continuing its voyage with no reported injuries.

(With inputs from AP)

Jul 7, 2026 07:40 PM IST
Lebanese president calls for pressure on Israel to halt attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the international community to increase pressure on Israel to stop its attacks, following the killing of four people in the southern town of Nabatieh.

In a post on X after meeting representatives of the Free Patriotic Movement led by former Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Aoun condemned continued Israeli attacks on civilians. He also said Lebanon would not allow outside powers to dictate its national interests or the course of negotiations with Israel. Bassil has conditionally supported Lebanon's framework agreement with Israel, while Hezbollah has criticised it for failing to address Israel's continued occupation of parts of southern Lebanon.

Jul 7, 2026 07:14 PM IST
Tanker hit by unidentified projectile in Strait of Hormuz, says UKMTO

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has reported that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the UKMTO, the vessel sustained structural damage in the incident but there were no casualties or environmental pollution. The agency did not identify the projectile or the vessel involved, and the circumstances surrounding the strike remain under investigation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 06:57 PM IST
Trump says he is 'very disappointed' with NATO over Iran

US President Donald Trump has said he was "very disappointed" with NATO allies over their response to the US war with Iran, suggesting he had used the conflict to gauge the alliance's willingness to back Washington.

Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after arriving in Türkiye for the NATO summit, Trump said the United States did not need military assistance but wanted to see whether European allies would stand by it. "We didn't need any help at all, and in a way, I was testing people," Trump told reporters, reiterating his long-held complaint that the US supports its allies more than they support America.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 06:19 PM IST
Qatar holds Iran legally responsible for tanker attack

Qatar has condemned the attack on the LNG tanker Al-Rekayat in the Strait of Hormuz, holding Iran "fully legally responsible" for the incident and accusing it of threatening international navigation and global energy supplies.

In a statement posted on X, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari described the attack as "a grave and explicit violation" of international law, particularly the rules guaranteeing freedom of navigation and safe passage through international straits. He called on Iran to immediately halt actions that endanger regional security and maritime traffic, warning against further threats to global energy supplies and saying Doha would hold Tehran responsible for any resulting damage or consequences.

Jul 7, 2026 06:12 PM IST
German minister warns against weakening Palestinian Authority

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that weakening the Palestinian Authority (PA) is not in Israel's interest, saying it could create a vacuum that more radical groups would exploit.

Speaking during a visit to Jerusalem, Wadephul acknowledged that the PA requires urgent reforms but stressed that it remains an essential governing institution. He also urged Israel to release the tax and customs revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, saying the funds are needed to maintain essential public services in the occupied Palestinian territories.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 05:54 PM IST
International Energy Agency forecasts global gas demand to fall 0.5% in 2026

Global natural gas demand is expected to fall by 0.5% in 2026, equivalent to about 20 billion cubic metres, as elevated prices curb consumption by power generators and industrial users, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

In its third-quarter 2026 Gas Market Report, the IEA said this would mark the third annual decline in global gas demand this decade, following contractions in 2020 and 2022. Demand in Asia fell about 1% in the first half of the year as utilities increasingly switched to coal in response to higher gas prices. Europe’s benchmark TTF gas price rose 32% year-on-year in the second quarter, while Asia’s JKM LNG benchmark climbed 45%. The agency also said the US-Israel war on Iran had sharply reduced LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that in peacetime handled around one-fifth of global LNG supplies.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 05:29 PM IST
Two Qatari, Saudi tankers damaged near Hormuz after reported Iranian attacks

A Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged near the Strait of Hormuz after reports that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

The LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, owned by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), was struck on its port side while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources.

A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the supertanker Wedyan, also sustained damage off the coast of Oman.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jul 7, 2026 04:41 PM IST
Trump arrives in Turkey for NATO summit

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Ankara ahead of a critical NATO summit, marking the first overseas trip aboard the new Qatar-donated Air Force One.

After an overnight flight from Washington, Trump landed in the Turkish capital, where he is expected to be welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the airport. The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings at the presidential compound before the NATO summit begins.

(With inputs from CNN)

President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One, Monday, July 6, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo)

Jul 7, 2026 04:14 PM IST
Iranian lawmaker warns against unilateral action in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi has warned that any action in the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with Tehran is "doomed to failure", following reports of an attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman.

According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, Boroujerdi, a member of parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Iran's approach to the strategic waterway had been decided "at the highest levels of the system" in the wake of the recent US-Israel war against the country. He said parliament would soon approve legislation on the management of the Strait of Hormuz, requiring relevant authorities to fully implement its provisions. Boroujerdi added that any decisions concerning the strait would be pursued in line with Iran's national interests and security.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 03:22 PM IST
Gas, oil prices rise after ship attack near Strait of Hormuz

European natural gas and global oil prices rose on Monday after reports that an LNG carrier was attacked near the Omani coast while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, heightening concerns over energy supplies through the strategic waterway.

European benchmark gas prices jumped as much as 4.5% to 46 euros ($52.50) per megawatt-hour, while Brent crude rose 1.2% to nearly $73 a barrel, its highest level in a week. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that the vessel came under attack after allegedly ignoring warnings, adding to market jitters over the security situation in the Gulf.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 03:18 PM IST
Iran reappoints judiciary chief during Khamenei funeral

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has reappointed Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei as the country's judiciary chief during the state funeral ceremonies for his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mohseni-Ejei was among the senior officials attending the funeral alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi. In his appointment order, Mojtaba Khamenei directed the judiciary chief to continue the fight against corruption, pursue a "judicial transformation", and prosecute crimes allegedly committed by "arrogant powers" and "global aggressors". Mohseni-Ejei later told state television he remained committed to achieving the leadership's goals and referred to calls for revenge over the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Jul 7, 2026 03:01 PM IST
Massive funeral for Ali Khamenei begins in Iran's Qom

A massive funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and his family members began in the holy city of Qom Tuesday. This comes after millions of mourners in Tehran created one of the largest funeral processions in Iran’s modern history on Monday, reported Tasnim News Agency.

Mourners July 7, 2026, attend a prayer for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in Israeli and US airstrikes, at the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom. (Reuters photo)

Jul 7, 2026 02:35 PM IST
Banner reading $100 million bounty for Trump displayed in Qom: Report

A banner reading $100 million bounty for Trump was displayed in the religious city of Qom, where the body of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was brought as funeral ceremonies continued on Tuesday, reported Iran International.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Jul 7, 2026 12:28 PM IST
What happened in the Strait Of Hormuz?

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) said a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile on its port side while traveling south about 8 nautical miles east of Oman’s Limah, causing a fire, Reuters reported. UKMTO said no casualties or environmental impact had been reported. Read more

A US official told Axios that a separate commercial ship was hit by an Iranian missile. Both vessels suffered damage, but there were no casualties, the official said. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships in the strait.

Jul 7, 2026 12:22 PM IST
Tehran fires at commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran deal comes under threat

Iran’s military fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, according to two US officials cited by Axios. The reported attack came after a one-week agreement between the US and Iran on halting strikes in the strait had expired, putting a fragile memorandum of understanding at risk of collapse. Read more

Jul 7, 2026 11:51 AM IST
At least 108 vessels crossed Strait of Hormuz between 3 – 5 July

A total of 108 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz between July 3 and July 5, according to data from the analytics firm Kpler.

In a post on X, Kpler said the traffic flow was slightly skewed from east to west and remained concentrated along predominantly Iranian and Omani shipping routes. The company noted that while crossings continued via routes tracked by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as well as "Dark/Unknown" routes, the pattern pointed to fragmented routing and cautious behavior among vessels, even as operations continued.

Jul 7, 2026 11:08 AM IST
Araghchi says negotiations ‘will not commence’ amid threats

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that talks on a final agreement will not move forward if hostile rhetoric continues, pointing to paragraph 13 of Iran's memorandum of understanding with the United States.

Writing on X, Araghchi noted that millions of Iranians were currently gathering for the funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and said neither the public nor the country's armed forces would be swayed by threats. He also called on Washington to honor its commitments under the signed agreement.

Jul 7, 2026 10:30 AM IST
Iran thanks India, report says US threats made 13 countries stay away

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India posted a message on X. In the post, the embassy thanked the Indian government and the people of India for taking part in the funeral ceremonies. It said India's presence showed the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Jul 7, 2026 09:40 AM IST
Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran mourns Khamenei

A tanker traveling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz caught on fire early Tuesday morning after being struck by a projectile, the British military said.The attack was the latest targeting a vessel moving through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime. Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.

Jul 7, 2026 09:40 AM IST
Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran mourns Khamenei

A tanker traveling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz caught on fire early Tuesday morning after being struck by a projectile, the British military said.The attack was the latest targeting a vessel moving through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed in peacetime. Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.

Jul 7, 2026 09:13 AM IST
Hamas offers to hand over authority in Gaza to US-backed administration

A tanker caught fire after a projectile struck it off Oman's coast near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident sharpens regional tensions as Iran's shipping controls and paused US talks come under fresh strain.

Jul 7, 2026 09:01 AM IST
Funeral prayers for Khamenei under way in Qom

According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, funeral prayers for Khamenei and four members of his family are underway at the Jamkaran Mosque, located on the outskirts of the city of Qom.

Footage posted online by the agency showed huge crowds of mourners gathered at the mosque for the prayers. Khamenei’s coffin will next be taken to Iraq for further rites before his body is returned to the Iranian city of Mashhad for burial on Thursday.

Jul 7, 2026 08:54 AM IST
US officials blame Iran for attack that ignited fire on tanker off of Oman

Two US officials, speaking to the Axios news outlet, are blaming Iran for the attack. The officials said Iran’s military fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

One of the officials said a second vessel was also hit, and that both ships suffered significant damage, but no casualties.

The attack comes days after the US and Iran exchanged tit-for-tat strikes following earlier assaults on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The earlier assaults followed the announcement of a US-backed corridor in Omani waters in a move Iran had opposed, saying it move violates the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries on June 17 to end hostilities.

Jul 7, 2026 08:29 AM IST
Oil prices tick up as attention shifts to supply and demand

Oil prices have edged up slightly higher today but gains have been limited as traders looked beyond easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and turned their attention to supply increases and demand prospects, according to the Reuters news agency.

Jul 7, 2026 07:07 AM IST
Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman

A tanker travelling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz caught on fire early Tuesday morning after being struck by a projectile, the British military said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the tanker had been hit near Limah, Oman, in the strait.

It said the projectile hit the port side of the vessel while trying to travelling south out of the strait toward the Gulf of Oman.

It said there was no environmental impact from the strike and that authorities were investigating.

Jul 7, 2026 06:49 AM IST
Iran fires missiles at commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz, Axios reports

Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least ⁠two ​missiles at ​commercial ships ​transiting ⁠through the Strait of ‌Hormuz, leaving two vessels ⁠with ⁠significant damage but ⁠there ‌were ​no ‌casualties, Axios reported ‌on ​Monday, ​citing ​a US ​official.

Jul 7, 2026 06:38 AM IST
What’s behind Trump’s ‘US will finish the job’ warning to Iran amid Khamenei’s funeral

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran that either they reach a deal with Washington or the United States will “finish the job,” renewing this threat of military action against Tehran as the Islamic Republic remains defiant following the dayslong funeral of its slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

US-Iran indirect talks concluded last week without any feasible outcome and a public sign of advancement toward a lasting peace, despite a 60-day ceasefire deal agreed between the two countries in order to create room for diplomacy following US-Israel’s joint strikes against Iran in February that sparked the tension in West Asia.

Jul 7, 2026 06:32 AM IST
Tanker struck near Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO reports

A tanker has reported a fire after being hit by “an unknown projectile” off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO).

The incident occurred 8 nautical miles east of Oman’s Limah whilst the ship was travelling southbound.

The projectile struck the port side of the tanker, the UKMTO said. No casualties or environmental impact were reported following the strike, and authorities are investigating, it added.

Jul 7, 2026 06:23 AM IST
A recap of recent developments
  • Massive funeral procession in Tehran : Hundreds of thousands joined the funeral procession for Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
  • Body moves to Qom for further rites: Khamenei's body arrived in the holy city of Qom, where additional funeral rites are set to take place.
  • Successor stays out of public view: Khamenei's son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since his father's killing.
  • Ahmadinejad makes a rare appearance: Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the funeral, marking his first public appearance after years of estrangement from the slain leader.
  • US-Iran talks continue amid mourning: Iran's top negotiator said implementing the agreement with the US is "difficult, but achievable," even as the country mourns its Supreme Leader.

    • Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

    © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
    Latest Comment
    Post Comment
    Read Comments