21/07/2026 04:26 - Internacionales
The conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026 seems to have no end in sight. Following the collapse of a protocol agreement signed in June, US bombings on Iranian territory have expanded to the center and east of the country, reaching cities such as Tabriz, Urmia, and Bushehr.
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic is engaged in a large-scale war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that Tehran will pay many times over for every American military casualty. Since the beginning of the war, the United States has reported 17 fallen soldiers, including Tyler James Feehan (25) and Isabella Gonzales (19), who died in Jordan, and a third in Iraq. On the Iranian side, the latest official report indicated 50 deaths and over 500 injured since the resumption of combat in early July.
For those unfamiliar, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway between Oman and Iran, through which nearly 20 percent of the worlds hydrocarbon trade transits. It has once again become the main focal point of concern. Iran maintains a blockade on this maritime corridor and warned it will take all necessary measures to prevent it from being used against its interests.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) —the branch of the US Department of Defense responsible for the Middle East— reported that on July 20, 2026, it diverted seven commercial vessels and disabled another to ensure the blockade of Iranian ports, operating from the Arabian Sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported a vessel on fire in the strait. Two Greek tankers, Kavomaleas and VLCC Acheloos, were attacked by missiles off the coast of Oman, although their crews remained unharmed.
The economic impact of this conflict is immediate. The price of Brent crude oil is hovering around 89 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stands at around 83 dollars. In the United States, gasoline prices have exceeded 4 dollars per gallon, generating political pressure on Donald Trump ahead of the midterm legislative elections.
The conflict is expanding across the region. Yemen Houthi rebels —an Iran-aligned political and armed movement— announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year truce. Additionally, Iran launched attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain, affecting even air navigation systems and desalination plants, which are vital for the region water supply.
Despite the intensity of the bombings, diplomatic channels remain open and offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. Countries like Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman are acting as mediators, proposing a 10-day ceasefire to reactivate negotiations. The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baqai, assured that the diplomatic apparatus has been active, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio left the door open to a diplomatic solution. It is expected that these mediations can unlock the tension and prevent a major humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East, paving the way for a brighter, more stable future.
Source: Imago News Agency
Alfredo S. Quiroga
