13/07/2026 12:19 - Internacionales
The Middle East conflict is going through a critical moment, but diplomacy does not stop in its attempt to restore calm.
According to Infobae, US President Donald Trump announced on July 13, 2026, that his country will reinstate the Iranian Blockade, which will prevent the entry or exit of Iranian ships only. Furthermore, he declared that the United States will be the Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and, as a matter of fairness, will charge a 20% toll on all cargo transported to cover security costs in this volatile region.
Faced with the US stance, the Iranian military command Khatam Al-Anbiya warned that any cooperation by Gulf countries with the United States in managing the strait will be considered an act of war. The Revolutionary Guards accused the US of endangering the global oil supply by interfering in the maritime route, reaffirming that Tehran will continue to exercise its sovereignty over the passage.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a new wave of attacks against Iranian air defense systems and radars, leaving two dead in the Khuzestan province. In retaliation, Iran attacked facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman.
The escalation triggered Brent oil prices, which rose 5% before moderating around $78 per barrel. Wall Street opened lower, with the S&P 500 retreating 0.4% and the Nasdaq falling 0.9%, affected by Middle East tension and a drop in semiconductors.
Despite the escalation, the hope for peace remains intact. According to Yahoo News, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Qatar held talks to urge both parties to return to the negotiating table. President Trump confirmed that Iran requested to continue conversations and the US accepted. A Qatari delegation has already arrived in Tehran to mediate and seek a definitive agreement to stabilize the region.
Regional tension also reached Yemen, where the Sanaa airport was attacked by the internationally recognized government to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane, an event the Houthis initially attributed to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom declared the Iranian Revolutionary Guard illegal after accusing it of backing attacks on Jewish targets in London.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
