US airstrikes hit Iran, Tehran closes Strait of Hormuz

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation following a week of retaliatory strikes. The conflict has intensified, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports in the Gulf.

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The US launched two waves of airstrikes on Iranian coastlines and "neutralized" an oil tanker when it attempted to violate the blockade.

The US launched two waves of airstrikes on Iranian coastlines and reportedly "neutralized" an oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade. This action followed Iran's reimposition of the blockade. Early Tuesday morning, Iranian media reported the activation of air defense systems in Tehran for the first time since hostilities resumed. Explosions were heard in northern and western Iran, though no casualties have been reported thus far.

Iran, which announced its decision to close the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, has stated the strategically vital waterway will remain shut until US "attacks" cease. The country has continued to target US military bases and facilities in Middle Eastern monarchies. This situation is increasingly undermining diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting end to the war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran.

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The air defense system in Tehran was activated for the first time since hostilities resumed, and explosions were heard in northern and western Iran.

Despite the escalating conflict, US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that an American citizen, whom he described as being "illegally detained" since 2024, had been released from Iran. He hailed Tehran's move as a "gesture of goodwill" via Truth Social. Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer, identified the individual as his client, Dina Karari, an Iranian-American citizen who was allegedly "trapped" in Iran on fabricated charges of "cooperating with an enemy state and espionage."

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The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US "attacks" end.

Hostilities resumed on July 7, following attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf attributed to Iran. The subsequent airstrikes have been the most extensive since a ceasefire was declared in April. However, Tehran had not been targeted until now, nor had oil and gas production facilities in the Gulf. The exchange of blows has shattered the "Islamabad memorandum of understanding," an initial agreement signed in mid-June intended to lead to a definitive end to the war. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that the memorandum is meaningless unless its terms are ratified and implemented, and that Iran has no reason to comply if it derives no benefit.

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An American citizen who was 'illegally detained' has been released from Iran.