US Strikes Iran as Tehran Retaliates, Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Brief By timesnownews / 12:04 PM on 12 Jul 2026

The US military launched retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian targets after an attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by striking US facilities across regional countries. Tehran also declared the strategic waterway closed, disrupting diplomatic efforts and nuclear negotiations as international mediators scramble to prevent further escalation across the Middle East.