The US launched a new wave of military strikes early on July 12 against Iran after Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and Iranian forces struck a Cyprus-flagged commercial ship, sharply escalating tensions in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

The US says its forces are "prepared and positioned" to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran declared it closed following another round of…

Iran said it closed the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel traveled on an unapproved route and was struck, warning against retaliation over the incident.