Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. A US official informed Axios Global Affairs Correspondent Barak Ravid that two commercial ships were struck and sustained substantial damage. No casualties have been reported so far.
Details of the Attack
The missiles were launched on July 7, 2026, targeting ships that had begun passing through the strait following a recent peace agreement between the US and Iran. The attack marks a significant escalation, as the waterway is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about 20% of all globally traded oil passing through it.
Context: Recent US-Iran Peace Agreement
Tensions had flared after joint US and Israeli strikes on several Iranian sites on February 28, 2026. Following months of hostilities, the US and Iran reached a peace agreement that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's commitment to dispose of its enriched uranium stockpiles. On June 17, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to conclude the conflict within 60 days. Under the MoU, Iran agreed to restore passage for merchant vessels within 30 days to pre-war levels, while the US committed to lifting its naval blockade and restoring traffic within 30 days.
Impact of the Attack
The missile strikes threaten to undermine the fragile peace process. The closure of the strait during the conflict had already sent shockwaves through global financial markets. The attack could lead to renewed tensions and potential retaliation, jeopardizing international shipping and oil supplies.
