US and Iran Exchange Strikes Over Strait of Hormuz Control

The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes on July 22, 2026, marking the 11th consecutive night of conflict driven by a dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump authorized U.S. Central Command to target military operations centers, aircraft hangars, and drone storage sites across Iranian provinces, including Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and East Azarbaijan. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Bushehr, and the ports of Chabahar and Konarak.

Iran retaliated with one-way drones and ballistic missiles targeting the Al-Azraq and Muwaffaq Salti air bases in Jordan, the Sheikh Isa air base in Bahrain, and the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. Jordanian forces intercepted four missiles and four drones in Aqaba. In response to Iranian attacks on shipping, the U.S. restarted a blockade of Iranian ports. The U.S. Department of Defense also confirmed a service member, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, was likely killed in a previous attack on July 17.

Diplomatic efforts stalled as President Trump rejected a Pakistani-led attempt to salvage a ceasefire, stating the U.S. had "no interest in meeting." He further signaled plans to strike the Pickaxe Mountain facility and other underground nuclear sites near Natanz. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted the U.S. remains open to negotiations if commitments are kept, the escalating violence has pushed Brent crude oil prices above $94 a barrel and led to a significant drop in Trump's domestic approval rating for the war.