13/07/2026 18:12 - Internacionales
On July 13, 2026, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reportedly confirmed an unprecedented operation against Iran. Using three unmanned surface vessels of the Corsair model, US forces successfully bombed a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base, located on the southern Iranian coast.
The attack, executed on Sunday, July 12, 2026, marked a historic milestone as the first time US forces employed maritime drones in combat operations. The primary objective was to degrade Tehran's capacity to continue attacking commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Hours after the bombing, US President Donald Trump announced the reestablishment of the naval blockade against Iran. On his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that his country will now be known as "the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" and will charge a compensation fee of 20 percent on all cargo sent through the maritime passage.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump defended the measure by arguing that other nations benefiting from the traffic are "very rich" and the US cannot be expected to provide security for free. However, he did not specify how these charges would be implemented.
Iran swiftly responded, ensuring it will not allow US interference in the management of the strait "under any circumstances." The spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Unified Command, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, warned that Iranian armed forces would "react severely" to any disturbance caused by US units outside the routes designated by Tehran.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, firmly opposed the toll. An IMO spokesperson stated there is "no legal basis for it" and reiterated their stance against charging for passage through straits used for international navigation, injecting a voice of rationality and adherence to international law amidst the tension.
This new offensive follows the collapse of the ceasefire signed on June 17, 2026, between Washington and Tehran. In recent days, the conflict has expanded, with Iran launching attacks against US allies in the region such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the grave situation, the international community, through organizations like the IMO and mediation efforts by countries such as Qatar and Pakistan, keeps hope alive for a diplomatic agreement that restores peace and guarantees free movement through this vital commercial artery, essential for the global economy.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
