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2w ago

U.S.-Iran Clash Escalates as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Falls to a Trickle

The destruction of an IRGC port surveillance tower triggered Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states, sharply cutting commercial traffic through the strait.

QESHM ISLAND, IRAN - MAY 17: Food vendors sit below posters of the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on May 17, 2026 along the Strait of Hormuz in, on Qeshm Island, Iran. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over opening this critical waterway have largely stalled as the countries have rejected each other's proposals to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN - MAY 16: A ship that his struck earlier in the war remains anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over opening this critical waterway have largely stalled as the countries have rejected each other's proposals to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN - MAY 16: A boat pilot passes a ship that was damaged earlier in the war as ships remains anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over opening this critical waterway have largely stalled as the countries have rejected each other's proposals to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN - MAY 16: A boat pilot passes a ship that was damaged earlier in the war as ships remains anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over opening this critical waterway have largely stalled as the countries have rejected each other's proposals to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Overview

  • U.S. forces publicized the destruction of a port surveillance tower used by the IRGC and said they carried out strikes on bridges and power infrastructure to degrade Iran’s ability to target ships.
  • Iran responded with missile and drone strikes that hit Qatar and Kuwait and damaged a Kuwaiti desalination plant, with Gulf governments reporting debris injuries and infrastructure damage.
  • Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz fell to single digits, with analytics firms reporting just eight daily crossings on Thursday, producing a marked rise in oil and U.S. gasoline prices.
  • Both sides have sustained casualties: Iranian officials reported dozens killed and hundreds wounded in recent U.S. strikes while U.S. officials say American service members have also been killed and wounded.
  • Regionalization of the conflict is growing as strikes occurred in Iraqi Kurdistan and warnings from Tehran put U.S. host states at risk, prompting urgent mediation efforts by Qatar, Oman and Pakistan to prevent wider war.