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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that it began a new round of strikes against Iran, describing the operations as the third consecutive night of military actions ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Today at 4:45 p.m. (Eastern), U.S. Central Command began launching the third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, under the direction of the commander in chief,” the command said in a statement posted to its social media channels.

According to CENTCOM, the military actions will continue with the goal of degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities and limiting its ability to carry out attacks on civilian targets and international maritime traffic.

“These strikes will continue to impose a high cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the U.S. command said.

The CENTCOM announcement came shortly after Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would maintain military pressure on Iran in the coming hours. In an interview with the conservative Salem News Channel, the president said the United States would carry out high-intensity strikes on Iranian territory during Monday night and into Tuesday.

“We will hit Iran very hard,” the president said, asserting that Tehran would have no ability to respond to U.S. actions.

“There’s nothing they can do about it. They have nothing,” he added, also criticizing Iranian leaders by saying they have “nothing but big mouths.”

Meanwhile, the semi-official Iranian news agency YJC reported that two explosions were heard on Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. The outlet did not attribute the blasts to a specific cause nor immediately report any damage or casualties.

Kish is a strategically located island near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the principal sea routes for global oil and gas shipments.

Shortly after, the semi-official agency Mehr reported that explosions were also heard on Qeshm Island in southern Iran, in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Qeshm and Kish are located in a strategically important area because of their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global energy trade.

Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz

In addition to the air strikes, the United States announced it will resume naval blockade measures on maritime traffic linked to Iran on Tuesday. CENTCOM said the operation would be reactivated at 4:00 p.m. Eastern (20:00 GMT) by order of President Donald Trump.

The military command said its forces will take action against vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas in violation of restrictions set by Washington, while allowing passage for ships that comply with the blockade rules.

“By order of the commander in chief, U.S. Central Command forces will resume the blockade of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in its statement.

The U.S. command urged maritime operators to follow official navigational alerts and to communicate with U.S. naval forces when transiting the Gulf of Oman and areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

The move increases pressure on a region considered crucial for global energy trade. Before the conflict began, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz, given its connection between the Persian Gulf and international markets.

CENTCOM recalled that during an initial phase of the blockade, carried out between April and June, its forces diverted more than 140 vessels, neutralized nine ships that, according to Washington, violated orders, and authorized the transit of over 50 commercial ships carrying humanitarian aid.

The announcement of the blockade’s restart comes amid a renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran. Hours earlier, Trump had said Washington would reimpose the measure and suggested that ships protected by U.S. forces in the area should pay a 20% compensation fee.

At the same time, CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces used maritime drones in combat for the first time during operations against an Iranian facility. According to the command, the drones were used against a maintenance center for submarines and vessels at the Bandar Abbas naval base.

U.S. military officials also said that around 140 targets linked to Iranian forces were struck over the weekend using a combination of combat aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.

The escalation follows President Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire framework signed on June 17 had ended, citing continued Iranian attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, in turn, responded with attacks on several U.S. allied countries in the region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, which host U.S. military forces.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that it had launched a new round of strikes against Iran, describing the actions as the third consecutive night of military operations ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Today at 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), United States Central Command began carrying out the third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, under the direction of the commander in chief,” the command said in a statement posted on its social media accounts.

According to CENTCOM, the military actions will continue with the aim of degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities and limiting its ability to carry out attacks on civilian targets and international maritime traffic.

“These strikes will continue to impose a high cost on Iranian forces and will degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the U.S. command said.

The CENTCOM announcement came shortly after Donald Trump warned that the United States would maintain military pressure on Iran in the coming hours. In an interview with the conservative Salem News Channel, the president said the U.S. would carry out high-intensity strikes on Iranian territory during Monday night and into Tuesday.

“We will hit Iran very hard,” the president said, asserting that Tehran would have no capacity to respond to U.S. actions.

“There is nothing they can do about it. They have nothing,” he added in the interview, also criticizing Iranian leaders by saying they have “nothing but big mouths.”

Meanwhile, the semi-official Iranian news agency YJC reported hearing two explosions on Kish Island in the Persian Gulf. The outlet did not attribute the blasts to a specific cause nor immediately report any damage or casualties.

Kish is a strategic island located near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main maritime routes for global oil and gas shipments.

Shortly after, the semi-official Iranian agency Mehr reported explosions on Qeshm Island, in southern Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Qeshm and Kish are located in a strategically important area because of their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for the global energy trade.

Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz

In addition to the air offensive, the United States announced it will resume naval blockade measures on maritime traffic connected to Iran starting Tuesday. CENTCOM said the operation will be reactivated at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (20:00 GMT) by order of President Donald Trump.

The military command said its forces will take action against vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas in violation of restrictions imposed by Washington, while allowing passage for ships that comply with the blockade rules.

“By instruction of the commander in chief, U.S. Central Command forces will resume the blockade of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in its statement.

The U.S. command urged maritime operators to monitor official navigational alerts and to communicate with U.S. naval forces when transiting the Gulf of Oman and areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

The measure increases pressure on a region considered critical to the global energy trade. Before the conflict began, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to international markets.

CENTCOM recalled that during an initial phase of the blockade applied between April and June, its forces diverted more than 140 vessels, neutralized nine ships that Washington said disobeyed orders, and authorized the transit of over 50 commercial vessels carrying humanitarian aid.

The announcement to restart the blockade comes amid a fresh military escalation between the United States and Iran. Hours earlier, Trump had said Washington would reinstate the measure and suggested vessels protected by U.S. forces in the area should pay a 20% surcharge.

Separately, CENTCOM said U.S. forces used maritime drones in combat for the first time during operations against an Iranian facility. According to the command, the drones were used against a maintenance center for submarines and vessels at the Bandar Abbas naval base.

U.S. military officials also reported that around 140 targets linked to Iranian forces were struck over the weekend using a combination of combat aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.

The escalation follows Trump’s decision to end the framework of a ceasefire agreement signed on June 17, arguing that attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz had continued.

Iran, in turn, carried out attacks against several U.S. allied countries in the region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which host U.S. military forces.

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The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Monday that it had begun a new round of strikes against Iran, describing the operations as the third consecutive night of military actions ordered by President Donald Trump.

“Today at 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), United States Central Command began launching the third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief,” the command said in a statement posted on its social media channels.

According to CENTCOM, the military actions will continue with the stated aim of degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities and limiting its ability to carry out attacks against civilian targets and international maritime traffic.

“These strikes will continue to impose a high cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the U.S. command said.

The CENTCOM announcement came shortly after President Trump said the United States would maintain military pressure on Iran in the coming hours. In an interview with the conservative Salem News Channel, he said the U.S. would conduct high-intensity strikes on Iranian territory during Monday night and into Tuesday.

“We will hit Iran very hard,” the president said, asserting that Tehran would not have the capacity to respond to U.S. actions.

“There is nothing they can do about it. They have nothing,” he added, also criticizing Iranian leaders by saying they “have nothing but big mouths.”

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy shipments and international trade.

Developing story…

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Neighboring countries to Ukraine will host military exercises in the coming months as part of planning for a multinational force intended to deploy after a ceasefire with Russia, President Emmanuel Macron announced in Paris on Monday.

Macron made the announcement at a press conference concluding the Coalition of Volunteers summit, which brought together representatives from 37 nations and included the presence of Volodymyr Zelensky, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British prime minister Keir Starmer. The exercises will take place on land, at sea and in the air to demonstrate that allies are “prepared, determined and credible” in their support for Kyiv.

Macron emphasized that the mission will be strictly defensive and will not serve as a mechanism to monitor a ceasefire; rather, it will aim to ensure a ceasefire’s durability, support the rebuilding of Ukrainian armed forces, and help restore maritime traffic and air connections. Military planning has been completed under the coordination of participating chiefs of staff, and the headquarters is working to convert those plans into operational capabilities.

Coalition members — including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, among others — stated that the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U) “is ready to operate and act to rebuild Ukrainian forces and provide security for Ukraine within its territory.”

On a bilateral level, Macron confirmed a roadmap with Kyiv that includes the delivery of Rafale fighter jets and associated weapons systems to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation. Initial deliveries are scheduled for 2028–2029, while pilot training will begin in the coming months, alongside the provision of new missile batteries, radars and ammunition to strengthen the country’s air defenses.

At the same time, the European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s banking and financial sectors, its military‐industrial complex, and the networks used to evade existing restrictions. Macron also outlined stepped‐up operations against the so‐called “ghost fleet” used to export hydrocarbons in violation of sanctions. Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden will continue to expand these measures in coordination with France; Paris will host a ministerial meeting in September to coordinate next steps.

“The history of our continent has taught us the consequences of giving in to aggression, and we will not make that mistake again,” Macron warned, describing support for Kyiv as “an investment in European security.”

The July 14 national day parade will feature representatives of the Coalition of Volunteers and Ukrainian military personnel as a sign of that cooperation. European Council President António Costa also indicated that a new negotiating cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession process will be opened on the same day.

(With information from EFE and Europa Press)

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Neighboring countries of Ukraine will host military exercises in the coming months as part of planning for a multinational force intended to deploy after a ceasefire with Russia, Emmanuel Macron announced Monday in Paris.

The French president made the statement at a press conference following the Volunteer Coalition summit, which brought together representatives from 37 nations and was attended by Volodymyr Zelensky, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British prime minister Keir Starmer. The maneuvers will take place on land, at sea and in the air to demonstrate that allies are “prepared, determined and credible” in their support for Kyiv.

Macron clarified that the mission will be “purely defensive” and will not serve as a mechanism to monitor a cessation of hostilities. Its objectives will be to ensure the durability of any ceasefire, support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces, and facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic and air links. Military planning has already been completed under the coordination of participating chiefs of staff, and the headquarters is working to translate these guidelines into operational capabilities.

Coalition members — including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain — stated that the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U) “is ready to operate and act to regenerate Ukrainian forces and provide security to Ukraine within its territory.”

On a bilateral level, the president confirmed a roadmap with Kyiv that includes the provision of Rafale aircraft and associated weapon systems to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation. Initial deliveries are expected between 2028 and 2029, while pilot training will begin in the coming months, together with the delivery of new missile batteries, radars and ammunition to strengthen the country’s air defenses.

At the same time, the European Union is preparing a new sanctions package aimed at the Kremlin’s banking and financial sectors, its military‐industrial complex, and the networks used to evade current restrictions. Macron also outlined strengthened operations against the so‐called “ghost fleet” used to export hydrocarbons outside sanctions. Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden will continue to expand these measures alongside France; a ministerial meeting will be held in Paris in September to coordinate the next steps.

“The history of our continent has taught us the consequences of yielding to aggression, and we will not make that mistake again,” Macron warned, describing support for Kyiv as “an investment in European security.”

The July 14 Bastille Day parade will include representatives of the Volunteer Coalition and Ukrainian military personnel as a sign of that cooperation. European Council president António Costa also said that on the same day a new negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s EU accession process will be opened.

(With information from EFE and Europa Press)

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Countries neighboring Ukraine will host military exercises in the coming months as part of planning for a multinational force intended to deploy after a ceasefire with Russia, Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday in Paris.

The French president made the statement at a press conference at the end of the Volunteer Coalition summit, which brought together representatives from 37 nations and was attended by Volodymyr Zelensky, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The maneuvers will take place on land, at sea and in the air to demonstrate that allies are “prepared, determined and credible” in their support for Kyiv.

Macron said the mission will be “purely defensive” and will not function as a mechanism to monitor the cessation of hostilities; instead it will seek to ensure the ceasefire’s durability, support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces, and facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic and air links. Military planning is already complete, coordinated by the chiefs of staff of the participating countries, and the headquarters is working to translate those guidelines into operational capabilities.

In that vein, coalition members — Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, among others — said the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U) “is ready to operate and act to regenerate Ukrainian forces and provide security to Ukraine within its territory.”

On the bilateral level, the president confirmed a roadmap with Kyiv that includes the integration of Rafale aircraft and associated weapons systems to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation. Initial deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2029, while pilot training will begin in the coming months, along with the provision of new missile batteries, radars and ammunition to strengthen the country’s air defenses.

At the same time, the European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions targeting the Kremlin’s banking and financial sectors, its military‐industrial complex, and the networks that enable evasion of existing restrictions. The president also detailed the strengthening of operations against the so‐called “ghost fleet” used to export hydrocarbons outside those measures. Spain, the United Kingdom and Sweden will continue to expand those actions alongside France; in September, Paris will host a ministerial meeting to coordinate the next steps.

“The history of our continent has taught us the consequences of yielding to aggression, and we will not make that mistake again,” Macron warned, calling support for Kyiv “an investment in Europe’s own security.”

The parade on Tuesday for the July 14 National Day will include representatives of the Volunteer Coalition and Ukrainian military personnel as an expression of that cooperation. European Council President António Costa also announced that the same day a new negotiation cluster will open in Ukraine’s EU accession process.

(With information from EFE and Europa Press)

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U.S. military strikes on Iran entered a second day on Monday, part of a renewed wave of fighting over control of the Strait of Hormuz that threatens a fragile interim agreement and has already spread to Yemen, where an attack on Sanaa airport produced a dispute between the Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthis over responsibility for the bombing. CENTCOM confirmed it completed another round of strikes against Iranian air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, while Tehran held talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman in an effort to avoid further escalation.

U.S. attacks killed two and wounded three in Iran’s oil-producing southwestern province of Khuzestan, according to Fars and Tasnim agencies. Media outlets and residents also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, the Mehr agency said. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman; Bahrain accused Iran of targeting “civilians,” and Jordan said it intercepted four Iranian missiles. Iran also fired “warning shots” at two vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

The escalation sent oil prices higher, with Brent rising as much as 5% before easing to around $78 per barrel. President Donald Trump said the two countries had been close to “a deal” on Saturday before a drone attack on a ship derailed negotiations. In Yemen, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned the strike on Sanaa airport “will not go unanswered or unpunished,” suggesting the regional conflict could spread beyond Iran.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Monday insisted that passage through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free of tolls, responding to a post by U.S. President Donald Trump the same day in which he said the United States would charge a 20% fee for what he called protection services.

Under international law, transit must remain free of customs duties and charges, the U.N.-specialized agency based in London said. The IMO emphasized any agreement between littoral states should guarantee non-discriminatory, unobstructed right of passage for all vessels.

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Donald Trump announced he will address the nation in prime time on Thursday, in an announcement that comes amid a major escalation of hostilities with Iran.

“President Trump will address the nation on Thursday night at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (01:00 GMT Friday). Thank you for your attention!” Trump posted Monday on his social network Truth.

U.S. missions in the United Arab Emirates suspend consular appointments

The United States announced the suspension of consular appointments in the United Arab Emirates for three days starting Monday due to the escalating military tensions in the Gulf region.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have canceled consular appointments from July 13 through July 15 due to the regional security situation. If you have an appointment scheduled for those dates, please do not come to the embassy or consulate. We will contact you to reschedule,” the announcement said.

Iran’s foreign minister mocks Trump over fee to protect ships in Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to levy fees to protect vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would charge a lower toll.

“Whoever guarantees the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for that service. Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the strait and will remain so FOREVER. Twenty percent is, of course, too much. We will be fair,” the minister wrote on social media, referring to the 20% fee Trump proposed earlier.

Oil prices jump more than 9%

Oil prices surged on Monday, driven by the reestablishment of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and Washington’s intention to impose a toll on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

By 18:20 GMT, the North Sea Brent benchmark was up 9.06% at $82.90 per barrel. Its U.S. equivalent, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), rose 9.05% to $77.87 per barrel.

U.S. naval blockade on Iran to begin Tuesday

The United States will begin enforcing a naval blockade of all Iranian ports and oil terminals on Tuesday, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) of the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces said in a statement on Monday.

According to JMIC, the blockade will apply to all vessels regardless of flag. The blockade will not impede neutral traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz en route to or from locations outside Iran, the statement said.

Humanitarian shipments will be allowed to pass but will be subject to inspection, JMIC added.

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Saudi Arabia says it responded to Houthi ballistic missile attack from Yemen

The Saudi-led military coalition intervening in Yemen said Monday it had responded to a ballistic missile attack launched by Houthi rebels after the group accused Riyadh of bombing Sanaa International Airport.

“Air defenses have responded to a ballistic missile threat launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the southern region,” Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, said on X.

European stocks close slightly higher amid Middle East uncertainty

European stock markets closed with modest gains on Monday after a day marked by renewed hostilities and rising oil prices, along with concerns about the technology sector and the outlook for interest rates.

London closed up 0.01%, Paris gained 0.31%, Frankfurt 0.19%, Milan 0.37% and Madrid 0.25%.

Guterres warns over military escalation in the Gulf after U.S. and Iranian attacks

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned Monday about the attacks by the United States on Iran and Tehran’s strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and on neighboring countries.

Guterres expressed his “deep concern over the serious escalation and the resumption of military confrontations in the Gulf region,” his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

Oil rises more than 4% as tensions between U.S. and Iran grow

Oil prices climbed strongly on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate trading at $74.53 per barrel, a 4.37% increase, while Brent rose 4.30% to $79.28. The rise occurred amid growing military tensions between the United States and Iran, reviving concerns about the security of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

The energy price spike also affected stock and bond markets: the VIX volatility index jumped 7.77%, and U.S. Treasury yields rose across the curve — the 10-year note increased 0.63% and the 5-year 0.88% — reflecting investor caution about an escalation that could disrupt global energy trade.

CENTCOM confirms first combat use of surface drones: struck Iranian naval base in Bandar Abbas

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces successfully struck a maintenance facility for submarines and ships in Iran using multiple one-way attack aerial drones. The command said three unmanned surface vessels of the Corsair model impacted the port at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base.

CENTCOM said the attack marked the first time U.S. forces used maritime drones in combat. The command added that the overnight strikes “degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial maritime traffic” amid the military escalation that has put Strait of Hormuz transit on edge.

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Trump says the U.S. will charge a 20% fee to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz is and will remain “OPEN,” with or without Iran, and that the United States is reinstating what he called the “IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” which he said would only prevent Iranian vessels or customers from entering or leaving.

“All other countries will have fair and open use of the strait,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Trump said that from now on the United States will be known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,” and argued that, “as a matter of FAIRNESS,” the country would be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo transported to cover the costs of providing security to “this very volatile section of the world.” “The process and training will begin immediately,” the president added.

The announcement deepens Trump’s rhetorical campaign over the strait, after he had previously told Fox News Washington would become the route’s “guardian” and be compensated for its custody, amid a military escalation with Iran and Tehran’s warning that any Gulf cooperation with the United States over the strait would be considered “an act of war.”

The full report is available at the link.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard accuses the U.S. of endangering global oil supplies by “interfering” in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused the United States on Monday of endangering global oil and gas supplies by “interfering” in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities between the two countries resumed. IRGC spokesman Hosein Mohebi said the United States “must be held accountable” for risking the security of the global energy supply.

In a post on X, Mohebi added that Tehran “will continue to exercise its sovereignty and manage the Strait of Hormuz,” signaling Iran’s unwillingness to cede operational control of the waterway despite U.S. pressure.

The accusation followed a warning by the Khatam Al-Anbiya military command earlier that day, which called any Gulf states’ cooperation with Washington in managing the strait “an act of war,” after President Trump said the United States would become its “guardian” and should be compensated.

Wall Street opens lower amid U.S.-Iran escalation and a drop in semiconductors

U.S. stocks mostly fell on Monday morning as markets weighed rising oil prices and weakness in semiconductor shares, while investors awaited upcoming corporate earnings and economic data. Crude oil rose more than 3% amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran, reviving concerns about oil infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. semiconductor stocks declined after a poor session on South Korea’s Kospi marked by a sharp drop in SK hynix. About 10 minutes after the opening, the Dow Jones was up 0.1% at 52,676.53 points, while the S&P 500 was down 0.4% at 7,547.53 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.9% to 26,039.50.

“Tensions with Iran, which are intensifying, are pushing oil prices higher, which is lifting Treasury yields, while the SK hynix sell-off is dragging down memory-linked stocks, which in turn pressures the Nasdaq and the S&P,” said Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management. This week’s agenda includes major U.S. bank earnings, a congressional appearance by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, and the latest consumer price index data.

Iran warns Gulf states: cooperating with the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered “an act of war”

Iranian military officials warned Gulf states on Monday that any cooperation with the United States in managing the Strait of Hormuz would be considered “an act of war,” as hostilities between Tehran and Washington resumed. A spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya military command delivered the warning in a video message addressed to regional nations.

The same spokesperson said Iran “under no circumstances will allow… the United States to interfere in the management” of the strategic waterway, in comments aimed at dissuading U.S. regional allies from joining any joint administration of the strait.

The statement came hours after President Trump said his country would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and should be paid for protecting it amid the military escalation that has put the route’s transit at risk.

Trump says the U.S. is “taking control” of the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States was “taking control” of the Strait of Hormuz after days of exchanges with Iran over the key shipping lane. “We are taking control of the strait. They have nothing. They have nothing,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News, referring to Iran’s perceived military vulnerability.

The president added that his country would become the “guardian” of the strait and should be paid for protecting it. “We will become the guardian of the strait (…) And we should be compensated for that,” he said in the call.

Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran after the collapse of the existing military arrangement, saying the United States had struck Iranian military equipment overnight. “Most of their equipment no longer exists. Their anti-aircraft guns — we hit them very hard last night,” he said. “Every time they send a drone, we hit them very hard.” Trump claimed the U.S. had reached an agreement with Tehran that was later broken: “We had a deal… and they broke it. They always break it. So we are going to hit them very hard and we are going to hold the strait, and we will probably administer it.”

The remarks come amid the dispute over control of the strait, after Iran threatened to close it and fired “warning shots” at vessels attempting to transit, while Washington insists maritime traffic continues to flow normally despite the military escalation.

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Video: U.S. releases footage of new wave of strikes against Iran

U.S. forces completed a new wave of strikes on Sunday, hitting dozens of targets in multiple locations with precision munitions, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said. CENTCOM said strikes targeted air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, and small Iranian vessels, using combat aircraft, warships and single-use aerial and maritime drones.

Iranian media reported Sunday missile strikes and explosions around the port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas — locations of military facilities near the strait — and nearby Qeshm Island. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the weekend strikes as “aggressive.” Reuters could not independently verify the location or date of the video footage, and no earlier version of the video was found online before July 12.

Houthis warn they will respond to the strike on Sanaa airport

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement said on Monday it would respond to the attack on Sanaa airport, which it blamed on Saudi Arabia although the operation was claimed by the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of “ending the phase of de-escalation and assuming full responsibility for the consequences of its aggression.”

Saree also warned that “this aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished,” indicating the rebel group could escalate its actions amid rising regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Iran confrontation.

Yemeni government claims attack on Sanaa airport; Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia

The internationally recognized Yemeni government said on Monday it had attacked Sanaa airport after a dispute over an Iranian plane transporting a Houthi delegation; the government claimed the operation after the Houthi movement initially blamed Saudi Arabia. “The terrorist Houthi militias — backed by the Iranian regime — prevented national Yemeni aircraft from landing at the capital’s airport while insisting on allowing an Iranian plane to violate Yemeni airspace; as a result, the airport runway was attacked,” Yemen’s defense ministry said. Earlier, Houthi channel Al Masirah reported that “the Saudi aggression targeted the takeoff and landing runways of Sanaa International Airport.”

The Houthis, backed by Iran, said on Monday they would respond to the strike on Sanaa airport, which they attributed to Saudi Arabia, though the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government claimed responsibility for the operation. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of “ending the phase of de-escalation and assuming full responsibility for the consequences of its aggression,” and warned: “We affirm that this aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished.”

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Bahrain intercepted Iranian drones and missiles amid reports of attacks in southern Iran

Bahrain’s military said on Monday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several Iranian missiles and drones launched during the day, after the Revolutionary Guard claimed to have struck U.S. facilities in the Gulf, including bases on Bahraini territory. Bahrain’s Defense Forces accused Iran of continuing to target the kingdom’s civilian population.

At the same time, semi-official Iranian ISNA reported that a U.S. strike on a target in Isfahan province in central Iran killed one person and wounded seven in the early hours of Monday, according to the province’s deputy governor for security. Iran has not released an official casualty toll since the renewed large-scale strikes began last week, but state media reports and statements about isolated incidents suggest about 20 people have died in renewed U.S. bombardments. At the start of the war, thousands had died, mostly in Iran and Lebanon.

Bahrain’s military accuses Iran of attacking civilians

On Monday, Bahrain’s armed forces accused Iran of attacking civilians in its recent strikes against the kingdom after Tehran said it had struck U.S. military facilities and infrastructure there.

“Iran continues its systematic hostile behavior through its atrocious missile and drone attacks targeting civilians in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the armed forces’ general command said in a statement, adding that air defenses “intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial attacks” Monday morning.

Iranian media report explosions near the Strait of Hormuz

Unknown explosions were heard in southern Iran on Monday near the Strait of Hormuz, a news agency reported, following an exchange of strikes between Tehran and Washington.

“Media and residents reported hearing explosions on Monday at midday near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island,” Mehr news agency said, adding that the explosions “appear to originate from the west coast of Bandar Abbas.”

Iran says it is continuing talks with mediators to “avoid escalation” with the U.S.

Iran said on Monday it is continuing diplomatic efforts with mediators Qatar, Pakistan and Oman to “avoid escalation” with the United States amid the resumption of hostilities between the two countries.

“The role of mediators is to continue their efforts to prevent an escalation of tensions,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said, adding that Tehran had been in contact “in recent days” with Qatar and Oman — two countries that Iran has attacked militarily — as well as with Pakistan.

Iran says it will stop complying with the agreement if the U.S. does not meet its commitments

Iran announced on Monday that it would no longer respect the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States if Washington did not honor its commitments to end the war.

“Whenever the other party has not fulfilled its obligations, we have not fulfilled ours… We will continue to act in this way,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press conference in Tehran after the latest round of hostilities between the two adversaries.

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U.S. military strikes against Iran entered a second day on Monday in a new wave of fighting over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation threatens a fragile interim agreement and has already spread to Yemen, where an attack on Sanaa airport prompted a dispute between the Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthis over who was responsible. CENTCOM confirmed it had completed a new round of strikes against Iranian air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, while Tehran held talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman in an effort to avoid further escalation.

U.S. attacks killed two and wounded three in Iran’s Khuzestan province, the country’s southwestern oil region, according to Fars and Tasnim. Media outlets and residents also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, according to Mehr. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed strikes against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman; Bahrain accused Iran of targeting “civilians,” and Jordan said it intercepted four Iranian missiles. Iran also fired warning shots at two vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

The escalation sent oil prices higher, with Brent rising as much as 5% before easing to around $78 per barrel. President Donald Trump said the two countries had been close to “a deal” on Saturday before a drone attack on a ship derailed negotiations. In Yemen, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that the attack on Sanaa airport “will not go unanswered or unpunished,” signaling that the regional conflict could continue to spread beyond Iran.

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Donald Trump announced he will address the nation in prime time on Thursday amid a major escalation of hostilities with Iran.

“President Trump will address the nation on Thursday night at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (01:00 GMT Friday). Thank you for your attention!” Trump posted on his social network Truth on Monday.

U.S. missions in the United Arab Emirates suspend consular appointments

The United States announced the suspension of consular appointments in the United Arab Emirates for three days starting Monday due to the increased military tensions in the Gulf region.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have canceled consular appointments from July 13 to July 15 due to the regional security situation. If you have an appointment scheduled for those dates, please do not come to the embassy or consulate. We will contact you to reschedule,” the statement said.

Iran’s foreign minister mocks Trump over proposed fee to protect ships in Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked President Donald Trump’s proposal to charge fees to protect ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would charge a lower toll.

“Whoever ensures the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for that service. Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the strait and will remain so FOREVER. Twenty percent is, of course, too much. We will be fair,” the minister wrote on social media, referring to a fee Trump had proposed earlier.

Oil prices surge more than 9%

Oil prices jumped on Monday, driven by the reestablishment of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and Washington’s intention to impose a fee for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

At 18:20 GMT, Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up 9.06% at $82.90 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 9.05% to $77.87 per barrel.

U.S. naval blockade of Iran to begin Tuesday

The United States will begin enforcing a naval blockade against all Iranian ports and oil terminals on Tuesday, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) of the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces said in a statement Monday.

According to JMIC, the blockade will apply to all vessels regardless of flag. The blockade will not prevent neutral shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from locations outside Iran, the statement said.

Humanitarian shipments will be allowed to pass, subject to inspections, JMIC added.

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Saudi-led coalition says it responded to Houthi ballistic missile attack

The Saudi-led military coalition intervening in Yemen since 2015 said on Monday it had responded to a ballistic missile attack launched by Houthi rebels, after the group accused Riyadh of bombing Sanaa International Airport.

“Air defenses have responded to a ballistic missile threat launched by the Houthi terrorist militia toward the southern region,” Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said on X. The coalition supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

European stocks close with modest gains amid Middle East uncertainty

European stock markets closed with slight gains on Monday after a day marked by renewed hostilities and rising oil prices, along with concerns over the technology sector and the path of interest rates.

London closed up 0.01%, Paris gained 0.31%, Frankfurt 0.19%, Milan 0.37% and Madrid 0.25%.

Guterres warns about military escalation in the Gulf after U.S. and Iranian strikes

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday about U.S. attacks on Iran and Iran’s strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring countries.

Guterres expressed his “deep concern about the serious escalation and the resumption of military clashes in the Gulf region,” his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

Oil rises more than 4% as tensions between U.S. and Iran grow

Oil prices climbed strongly on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate trading at $74.53 per barrel, up 4.37%, and Brent rising 4.30% to $79.28. The increase came amid growing military tensions between the United States and Iran, which revived doubts about the security of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

The energy-driven rally also affected stock and bond markets: the VIX volatility index jumped 7.77%, while U.S. Treasury yields rose across the curve — the 10-year yield gained 0.63% and the 5-year yield 0.88% — reflecting investor caution over an escalation that could disrupt global energy trade.

CENTCOM confirms first use of maritime drones in combat: struck a naval base in Bandar Abbas

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran using multiple single-use aerial attack drones. CENTCOM said three surface unmanned vessels of the Corsair model struck the port at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base.

According to CENTCOM, the operation marked the first time U.S. forces used maritime drones in combat. The command said the night strikes “degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial maritime traffic,” amid the military escalation affecting transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump says the U.S. will charge a 20% fee to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz is and will remain “OPEN,” with or without Iran, and that the United States is reinstating what he called the “IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” which he said would prevent only Iranian ships or clients from entering or leaving.

“All other countries will have fair and open use of the strait,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Trump said the United States will henceforth be known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,” and argued that, “as a matter of FAIRNESS,” the country would be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo transported to cover the costs of providing security for “this very volatile section of the world.” “Training and processes will start immediately,” the president added.

The announcement deepens Trump’s public campaign regarding the strait, after he had said in an earlier Fox interview that Washington would become the waterway’s “guardian” and be compensated for doing so, amid the military escalation with Iran and Tehran’s warning that any Gulf cooperation with the United States on managing the passage would be considered “an act of war.”

The full story at this link.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard accuses the U.S. of endangering global oil supplies by “interfering” in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused the United States on Monday of endangering global oil and gas supplies by “interfering” in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities resumed between the two countries. IRGC spokesperson Hosein Mohebi said the United States “must be held accountable” for jeopardizing energy security.

In a post on X, Mohebi added that Tehran “will continue to exercise its sovereignty and management of the Strait of Hormuz,” signaling that Iran refuses to cede operational control of the waterway despite U.S. pressure.

The statement followed a warning from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command that any Gulf cooperation with Washington in managing the strait would be considered “an act of war,” after President Trump said the United States would become its “guardian” and should be compensated.

Wall Street opens lower amid U.S.-Iran tensions and a drop in semiconductors

U.S. stocks fell broadly Monday morning as markets weighed rising oil prices and a retreat in semiconductor shares while investors looked ahead to upcoming corporate earnings and economic data. Crude prices rose more than 3% amid growing tension between the United States and Iran, reviving concerns about infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. semiconductor stocks fell early following a weak session on South Korea’s Kospi and a sharp drop in SK hynix. About ten minutes after the opening, the Dow Jones was up 0.1% at 52,676.53 points, while the S&P 500 was down 0.4% at 7,547.53 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.9% to 26,039.50.

“Tensions with Iran, which are intensifying, are pushing oil prices higher, which is lifting Treasury yields, while the SK hynix sell-off drags down memory-related stocks, which in turn pressures the Nasdaq and the S&P,” said Art Hogan of B. Riley Wealth Management. This week’s agenda includes major U.S. bank earnings, testimony before Congress by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, and the latest consumer price index data.

Iran warns Gulf states: cooperating with the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered “an act of war”

Iran’s military warned Gulf states on Monday that any cooperation with the United States in managing the Strait of Hormuz would be considered “an act of war,” as hostilities between Tehran and Washington resumed. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya military command made the warning in a video message to regional nations.

The spokesperson said Iran “under no circumstances will allow… the United States to interfere in the management” of the strategic waterway, a message intended to dissuade Washington’s regional allies from joining any U.S.-led scheme to administer the strait.

The warning came hours after President Trump said his country would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and should be paid for protecting it amid a military escalation that has put maritime traffic through this key energy route on edge.

Trump says the U.S. is “taking control” of the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States was “taking control” of the Strait of Hormuz after several days of exchanges with Iran around the vital waterway. “We are taking control of the strait. They have nothing. They have nothing,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News, referring to Iran’s alleged military vulnerability.

The president added that his country would become the “guardian” of the strait and should be paid for protecting it. “We will become the guardian of the strait (…) And we should be compensated for that,” he said in the phone interview.

Trump also issued a stark warning to Iran after the breakdown of the existing military arrangement, saying U.S. strikes had damaged Iranian military equipment overnight. “Most of their equipment no longer exists. Their anti-aircraft gun, we hit it very hard last night,” he said. “Every time they send a drone, we hit them very hard.” He said Washington had reached an agreement with Tehran that was later broken: “We had a deal… and they broke it. They always break it. So we are going to hit them very hard and we are going to stay in the strait, and probably we will manage it.”

The remarks come amid a dispute over control of the strait after Iran threatened to close it and fired warning shots at ships attempting to transit, while Washington maintains that maritime traffic continues to flow normally despite the military escalation.

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Video: U.S. releases footage of the new wave of strikes against Iran

U.S. forces completed a new wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday, hitting dozens of targets in multiple locations with precision munitions, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said. CENTCOM said it struck air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, and small Iranian vessels using combat aircraft, warships, and single-use aerial and maritime attack drones.

Iranian media reported missile strikes and explosions on Sunday around the port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas — locations with military facilities overlooking the strait — and the nearby Qeshm Island. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes over the weekend as “aggression.” Reuters could not independently verify the location or date of the footage, and no earlier versions were found online before July 12.

Houthis warn they will respond to the attack on Sanaa airport

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said on Monday they would respond to the attack on Sanaa airport, which they attributed to Saudi Arabia, although the internationally recognized Yemeni government backed by Riyadh claimed responsibility. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of “ending a phase of détente and assuming full responsibility for the consequences of its aggression.”

Saree added that “this aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished,” suggesting the rebel group may intensify actions amid rising regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Yemeni government claims it attacked Sanaa airport; Houthis blame Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s internationally recognized government said on Monday it had attacked Sanaa airport after a dispute over an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation; the government’s statement attributed the strike to preventing the Houthis from allowing the Iranian aircraft to land. “The Houthi terrorist militias — backed by the Iranian regime — prevented national Yemeni aircraft from landing at the capital’s airport while insisting on allowing an Iranian plane to violate Yemeni territory; consequently, the airport runway was struck,” the Yemeni Defense Ministry said. Earlier, the Houthi channel Al Masirah reported that “the Saudi aggression struck the departure and landing runways at Sanaa International Airport.”

The Houthis, backed by Iran, said on Monday they would respond to the attack on Sanaa airport, which they blamed on Saudi Arabia, though the government supported by Riyadh claimed responsibility. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of “ending the phase of détente and taking full responsibility for the consequences of its aggression,” and warned: “We affirm that this aggression will not go unanswered or unpunished.”

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Bahrain intercepted Iranian drones and missiles amid reports of strikes in southern Iran

Bahrain’s military said on Monday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several Iranian missiles and drones launched during the day, after the Revolutionary Guard claimed to have struck U.S. military facilities in the Gulf, including bases on Bahraini territory. Bahrain’s Defense Forces accused Iran of continuing to target the kingdom’s civilian population.

Separately, semi-official Iranian agency ISNA reported that a U.S. strike on a target in Isfahan province in central Iran killed one person and wounded seven in the early hours of Monday, according to the province’s deputy security governor. Iran has not released an official casualty tally since large-scale cross-border strikes resumed last week, but state media reports and statements on specific incidents suggest about 20 people have died from renewed U.S. bombardments. At the start of the war, thousands were killed, mostly in Iran and Lebanon.

Bahrain’s military accuses Iran of attacking civilians

On Monday, Bahrain’s armed forces accused Iran of attacking civilians in its recent strikes on the kingdom, after Tehran said it had targeted U.S. military facilities and infrastructure there.

“Iran continues its systematic hostile behavior with its atrocious missile and drone attacks aimed at civilians in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the Bahraini armed forces’ general command said in a statement, adding that air defenses “intercepted and destroyed several Iranian air attacks” on Monday morning.

Iranian media report explosions near the Strait of Hormuz

Explosions of unknown origin were heard in southern Iran on Monday near the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported, following an exchange of strikes between Tehran and Washington.

“Media outlets and residents reported hearing explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island on Monday at midday,” the Mehr news agency said, adding that the explosions “appear to originate from the west coast of Bandar Abbas.”

Iran says it continues talks with mediators to “avoid escalation” with the U.S.

Iran said on Monday that it continues diplomatic engagement with mediators Qatar, Pakistan and Oman to “avoid escalation” with the United States amid renewed hostilities.

“The role of mediators is to continue their efforts to prevent an escalation of tensions,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said, adding that Tehran had been in contact “in recent days” with Qatar and Oman — two states Iran has also struck — as well as with Pakistan.

Iran says it will stop complying with the agreement if the U.S. does not meet its commitments

Iran announced on Monday that it would no longer honor the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States if Washington did not fulfill its commitments to end the war.

“Whenever the other party has not fulfilled its obligations, we have not fulfilled ours… We will continue to act in this manner,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press conference in Tehran following the latest round of hostilities.

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The European Union and the United Kingdom imposed coordinated sanctions on Monday against officers of Russian intelligence services, hackers and private companies linked to the Kremlin, in response to what they described as a campaign of cyberespionage and digital sabotage targeting governments and critical infrastructure across Europe. This is the first time the two blocs have acted together on cybersecurity since the UK left the EU in 2020.

Brussels applied restrictive measures—mainly asset freezes and travel bans—against nine individuals and four entities. London went further, adding 24 names to its blacklist, including senior figures from Russian military intelligence, known by its Russian acronym GRU, who are accused of directing hybrid-threat operations. The British government described the package as the first joint cyber sanctions with the EU and framed it as a response to what it calls the Russian state’s increasingly reckless attempts to sow chaos and division in Europe.

The core of the EU measures targets the so‐called Center 16 of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), the country’s main domestic intelligence and counterintelligence agency and successor to the Soviet KGB. According to the EU, this unit controls several cyber threat groups, including Turla, active for more than two decades and linked to espionage against government and defense targets in France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland since at least 2010. The EU’s chief on foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, said the FSB “has carried out a wide range of malicious cyber activities of growing severity.”

The immediate trigger for the sanctions was the 29 December 2025 attack on Poland’s power grid. On that day, hackers linked to Center 16 deployed destructive malware—dubbed DynoWiper—against more than 30 wind and solar parks, a combined heat and power plant, and a manufacturing firm, aiming to destroy data in industrial control systems. The operation ultimately failed, but Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, said in January that the country had come “very close” to a massive blackout during one of the coldest periods of the winter. The British Foreign Office estimated the attack could have left 500,000 people without electricity.

The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in offensive cyber operations. President Vladimir Putin said last month that European accusations of sabotage are unfounded and intended to justify the West’s “aggressive plans” against Russia. Nevertheless, the rate of incidents attributed to Moscow has accelerated. In April, Sweden pointed to a pro‐Russian group with links to Russian security services as responsible for a cyberattack on a heating plant. Authorities in Poland, Norway, Denmark and Latvia have warned in recent months that Russia is targeting critical infrastructure across the continent.

This activity takes place within a broader hybrid war that has intensified alongside the armed conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year. Western intelligence services have documented how Moscow has outsourced parts of its digital operations to hacktivist groups, private firms and cybercriminal networks, complicating direct attribution and providing the state with plausible deniability. Monday’s sanctions aim to dismantle that cover: the British government stressed that Russia “cannot hide behind the use of these intermediary groups.” The coordination between London and Brussels, despite Brexit, indicates that the Russian cyberthreat is, paradoxically, acting as a practical force for renewed cooperation between the United Kingdom and its European neighbors.

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El precio del petróleo registró este lunes su mayor subida diaria desde el inicio del conflicto entre Estados Unidos e Irán, tras el anuncio del presidente Donald Trump de restablecer un bloqueo naval a los puertos iraníes y de su intención de cobrar un peaje del 20% sobre el valor de las cargas que crucen el estrecho de Ormuz.

El barril de Brent del mar del Norte para entrega en septiembre cerró en USD 83,80, lo que supone una suba del 9,59% respecto al cierre del viernes, cuando cotizó a USD 76,01. El West Texas Intermediate (WTI) para entrega en agosto avanzó un 9,42%, hasta USD 78,14.

El Ejército de Estados Unidos informó que la reimposición del bloqueo entraría en vigor a las 20:00 GMT. El Mando Central (Centcom) afirmó que hará cumplir el bloqueo contra los barcos que se dirijan hacia o desde los puertos y zonas costeras de Irán, aunque dijo que facilitará el tránsito de las embarcaciones que no lo infrinjan.

Trump agregó que Washington “tomaría control” del estrecho y exigiría “un peaje correspondiente al 20% del valor de la carga” que lo atraviese. La medida coloca a los operadores marítimos ante una disyuntiva inédita: pagar la tasa reclamada por Teherán o la impuesta por Estados Unidos por la misma ruta.

“El mercado se pregunta: ¿pagamos a Irán por su protección o pagaremos a Estados Unidos por la suya? ¿Y qué tanto será?”, comentó a la AFP el analista Andy Lipow, de Lipow Oil Associates.

Los Guardianes de la Revolución de Irán acusaron a Estados Unidos de poner en riesgo el suministro mundial de petróleo. El canciller iraní, Abás Araqchi, rechazó cualquier cesión de soberanía sobre el paso marítimo: “Irán siempre ha sido el guardián del estrecho y lo seguirá siendo por siempre”.

Fuentes de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI), consultadas por la agencia EFE, evitaron una respuesta directa al anuncio, pero reiteraron su oposición al cobro de tasas en pasos de navegación internacional y señalaron que “no existe ningún fundamento jurídico que permita introducir peajes obligatorios por transitar por un estrecho”.

La escalada se intensificó tras la ruptura, la semana pasada, del acuerdo marco de alto el fuego que Trump había firmado el 17 de junio, después de que Teherán mantuviera ataques contra buques en Ormuz. Durante el fin de semana, fuerzas estadounidenses atacaron aproximadamente 140 objetivos militares iraníes con munición de precisión lanzada desde aviones de combate, drones y buques navales.

Analistas del Eurasia Group señalaron que, aunque los mercados en general habían pasado por alto los ataques recientes al tráfico marítimo, “el colapso de esta frágil paz” entre Washington y Teherán cambia por completo el panorama para los precios del crudo.

Las bolsas europeas cerraron planas

Las bolsas europeas cerraron sin cambios significativos el lunes: el índice paneuropeo STOXX 600 quedó estable en 641,01 puntos. Los inversores optaron por la cautela ante el recrudecimiento de las tensiones entre Estados Unidos e Irán y la incertidumbre sobre la evolución del conflicto en Oriente Medio.

La sesión siguió a la mayor caída semanal del STOXX 600 desde abril, registrada el viernes anterior. Analistas advirtieron que no debe darse por segura una pronta resolución del conflicto en los precios, ya que los recientes intercambios de ataques han alejado la expectativa de un cese rápido de hostilidades.

Los precios del crudo subieron cerca de un 5% en la jornada. Aunque a fines de junio habían vuelto a niveles previos al inicio de la guerra, desde entonces se han apreciado de nuevo, impulsados por la incertidumbre bélica. El sector energético (.SXEP) lideró las ganancias del STOXX 600, con un avance del 2,2%.

En sentido contrario, los valores de defensa (.SXPARO) retrocedieron un 1,4%. El sector de viajes y ocio (.SXTP) perdió un 1,2% y estuvo entre los de peor comportamiento, con compañías como Lufthansa, Ryanair y TUI cayendo entre el 1,1% y el 4,1%.

El sector tecnológico (.SX8P) también operó bajo presión, con una caída del 0,6%, alineada con la tendencia global. Las acciones de SK Hynix en Corea del Sur registraron un descenso del 15,4% tras el fuerte repunte que habían mostrado en su debut en el Nasdaq el viernes anterior.

“Los inversores están pendientes del inicio de la temporada de resultados y el gran foco de esta semana será ASML (…) será una prueba importante para el sector tecnológico”, señaló David Morrison, de Trade Nation. Los resultados de ASML se perfilan como el evento más seguido de la semana en Europa, en un mercado que busca catalizadores distintos a la geopolítica para impulsar las cotizaciones.

(Con información de AFP, EFE y Reuters)

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