The U.S. has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and resumed strikes after a new round of attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy shipments. Enforcement began Tuesday afternoon, and U.S. Central Command said the fresh strikes aim to limit Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping. According to the Associated Press, the move follows renewed attacks on vessels attempting to transit the strait. Axios and Fox News’ live coverage reported the timing and scope of the blockade and the latest U.S. military actions. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/abd060c55feea216625689e57d8f76be))
Axios reported that the Navy’s announcement framed the blockade as prohibiting ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, while saying transit to and from non‑Iranian destinations would not be impeded. Humanitarian shipments such as food and medicine are allowed, subject to inspection. Fox News’ live blog also noted Central Command’s reported start time. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/trump-iran-blockade-strait-hormuz))
On the military front, Fox News said CENTCOM launched a new wave of strikes Tuesday intended to “degrade” Iran’s maritime and strike capabilities near the Strait of Hormuz. The AP reported a multi-hour barrage that struck multiple targets as the blockade was reimposed. Fox News added that CENTCOM described a large U.S. presence across the region. ([foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/iran-war-trump-israel-hormuz-july-14-2026)) ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/abd060c55feea216625689e57d8f76be))
Iran reacted sharply. The AP reported that the Revolutionary Guard threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East in response to the blockade. The AP also said missile alerts sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait amid Iranian fire, and Kuwait reported that an Iranian attack wounded members of its navy. These developments underscored how quickly the conflict is rippling beyond the strait itself. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/abd060c55feea216625689e57d8f76be))
There was also movement on a controversial fee proposal. Axios noted that President Trump initially proposed a reimbursement fee on cargo moving through Hormuz; a senior Gulf source told Axios regional allies hadn’t been consulted about tolls. The AP later reported that Trump backed away from the fee plan, pointing instead to prospective Gulf investments in the United States. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/07/13/trump-iran-blockade-strait-hormuz))
Why it matters
This standoff affects everyday costs. A large share of the world’s oil and gas normally moves through the Strait of Hormuz, so any disruption can push up fuel prices and insurance costs for shipping. A wider fight would also raise risks for U.S. troops and bases across the region and complicate global supply chains already under strain. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/abd060c55feea216625689e57d8f76be))