15/07/2026 09:49 - Internacionales
Military tensions in the Middle East are said to have reached a new critical point on July 15, 2026. According to reports, the United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran at 6:00 AM ET, marking the third consecutive night of offensives. These operations, reportedly commanded by CENTCOM (the US Central Command, responsible for military operations in the Middle East), are expected to primarily degrade Irans capacity to threaten vessels in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to target civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, should a diplomatic agreement not be reached. This stance is expected to worsen the conflict following the collapse of the truce signed on June 17, 2026. Trump reportedly declared the end of the ceasefire the previous week and restored the naval blockade against Tehran, assuming the role of guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and imposing a controversial 20% toll for passing vessels.
For international readers, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and it is one of the worlds most critical maritime routes for oil transportation. Trumps decision to blockade and toll the passage has reportedly had an immediate impact on global energy markets, raising fears of supply disruptions, yet diplomatic channels remain open.
The escalation is said to have intensified following a statement from the United Arab Emirates, attributing to Iran an attack using 2 cruise missiles against the oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah in Omani waters. This incident reportedly left 1 Indian crew member dead and 8 injured (6 Indians and 2 Ukrainians).
In response to the US offensives, Iran is expected to have confirmed missile and drone attacks against US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Previous US night attacks are said to have left more than 200 Iranian casualties, including 7 deaths in a brigade in the Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Amidst the conflict, Trump reportedly warned on July 14, 2026 that he left clear orders: if Tehran were to assassinate him, Iran would face destruction by 1,000 missiles. In such a scenario, the US presidential succession would reportedly fall to Vice President JD Vance via the 25th Amendment, though automatic attack mechanisms in that situation are not confirmed.
On the Iranian side, the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to have promised to avenge the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who reportedly passed away during the US attacks in February 2026. Despite the hostility, Iran is said to be maintaining diplomatic efforts with Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman acting as mediators to find a hopeful exit to the crisis.
Despite the alarming situation, the ongoing mediation by regional powers like Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman offers a positive outlook for potential de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table.
The market has reportedly reacted swiftly to the uncertainty in the Persian Gulf. The price of Brent crude (the global benchmark for oil prices) experienced a 2.5% increase, reaching USD 85.37. This rise is expected to reflect concerns of a prolonged interruption in global energy supply, though markets remain hopeful that diplomatic interventions will stabilize the situation.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Truce Collapse | June 17, 2026 | Ceasefire signed which Trump later declared finished. |
| Night Attacks | July 14, 2026 | Third consecutive night of offensives at 22:45 CET. |
| New Wave | July 15, 2026 | Attacks reported at 6:00 AM ET. |
Alfredo S. Quiroga