A New Chapter in US-Iran Tensions

On July 29, 2026, the conflict in the Middle East escalated once again when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a surprise ballistic missile attack against US military bases in Jordan, including the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Fortunately, Jordan intercepted all 5 missiles, and no casualties were reported—a relief amid the heightened tension.

According to reports from TN and Ámbito, US President Donald Trump reacted forcefully, vowing immediate retaliation.

Trump's Response and Joint Retaliation

In an interview with Fox News, Trump described Iran-backed groups as a 'cancer' and warned that the US would 'give them a damn beating' and 'hit them hard.' The military response was swift: the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted precision airstrikes against pro-Iranian militias in eastern Iraq, killing 20 militants and thwarting more than 30 drone attacks in the previous 72 hours.

Furthermore, on July 30, 2026, the US launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, targeting Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate 3 civilians killed and 2 wounded. Despite these tragic events, the international community remains hopeful that dialogue—though stalled—can resume to prevent further bloodshed.

Market and Oil Impact

The renewed hostilities hit financial markets hard. Brent crude oil surged more than 7%, surpassing $90 per barrel, fueling inflation fears. Wall Street reacted negatively: the S&P 500 fell 1.5%, the Dow Jones dropped 2.2%, and the Nasdaq lost 1.7%. The US Federal Reserve's cautious stance—keeping interest rates at 3.50%–3.75%—also contributed to the market correction.

Denials and the Naval Blockade at Hormuz

The US Central Command (Centcom) denied Iranian media claims that three F-35 fighter jets were destroyed in Jordan and that the naval blockade was breached by the oil tanker M/T Nora. According to Infobae, more than 20 warships maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's crude oil passed before the conflict—now in its fifth month.