Key facts
- Iran's parliament introduced a bill asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- US strikes targeted Bushehr, Abadan, and Mahshahr, with explosions heard near Bandar Abbas.
- Iran struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries.
- The US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
- Bahrain reported intercepting Iranian aerial attacks.
- Iranian lawmakers issued a statement to end the interim US-Iran MoU.
Iran's parliament has formally submitted a bill asserting Tehran's permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz, a move that coincides with a significant escalation of tensions in the region. The bill was introduced on July 14, 2026, as the US reportedly struck four locations in the port city of Bushehr, which hosts Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant. Further US strikes hit Abadan and Mahshahr, and explosions were heard near Bandar Abbas.
These actions follow Iran's strike on two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. The UAE stated the vessels were hit by Iranian missiles, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a tanker was struck by a missile. In response, the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, a measure that had been eased following a June interim agreement. President Trump announced that Washington was 'taking control' of the waterway and proposed a 20% levy on all cargoes passing through it.
Bahrain reported that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed several aerial attacks launched by Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting civilians. The IRGC confirmed carrying out missile and drone strikes on Bahrain. Iran, through Brigadier General Akraminia, warned Gulf states that any cooperation with Washington would be considered an act of war and stated the US would not be allowed to interfere in managing the strait.
China has called for the swift resumption of normal and safe transit through the strait, offering to help de-escalate the crisis. Iran's Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad, stated that the country has mechanisms in place to neutralize the impact of US sanctions and that oil exports would continue.
A majority of Iran's parliament members issued a statement to end the interim memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, calling for "pursuing revenge." The statement also urged the passing of new legislation to manage the Strait of Hormuz on Iran's terms and to upgrade its defense doctrine.