Trump Ends Iran Ceasefire as Tehran Threatens Strait Blockade

President Donald Trump officially declared the ceasefire between the United States and Iran over on July 12, 2026, following a sharp escalation in military strikes. The conflict intensified after Iranian forces attacked commercial vessels, including the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy, leading the U.S. Central Command to conduct retaliatory strikes on Iranian installations. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a new strategic doctrine stating Iran will close the waterway to all traffic if its territory is attacked.

The U.S. government issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that Tehran publicly commit to halting maritime attacks and ensuring the strait remains toll-free. Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of the Treasury revoked licenses allowing Iran to sell crude oil on international markets. The U.S. is also leveraging a 60-day negotiation window to demand the transfer of approximately 410 kilograms of enriched uranium from Iran.

To prevent a total maritime shutdown, Oman and Britain proposed a navigation framework to resolve the stalemate. The Omani plan suggests a two-corridor system: a Southern Corridor in Omani waters for free navigation and a Northern Corridor in Iranian waters requiring approval but no tolls. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Omani officials in Muscat to discuss these mechanisms, Iranian leadership continues to demand international recognition of a new Iranian order in the strait. Tensions remain high as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being injured in February strikes.