Iran strikes two ships in Strait of Hormuz, threatening fragile US-Iran ceasefire
Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired at least two missiles at civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the first such attack since late June, US officials told Axios. The incident endangers a temporary de-escalation deal and has already pushed oil prices higher.
Attack on two vessels
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 6 July, according to US officials cited by Axios. Both vessels sustained significant damage, but no crew casualties were reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) earlier said it had received reports of a tanker on fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile near the coast of Oman. One of the ships was identified as the Qatari LNG carrier Al Rekayyat.
Ceasefire under strain
The attack is the first since 27 June, when a similar IRGC strike provoked US retaliatory action and nearly collapsed a broader truce. That earlier exchange led to a week-long ceasefire, but Monday's missile fire breaks the lull. The temporary agreement, signed by Donald Trump on 17 June in Versailles, ended active hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran that had begun on 7 April. The deal initiated a 60-day window for negotiating a comprehensive accord covering Iran's nuclear programme and other issues.
Diplomatic deadlock
After the June exchange, the US and Iran held a round of indirect talks in Qatar focused on the strait, but they yielded no breakthrough. Those discussions are now suspended during a week of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war. Tehran has repeatedly warned vessels against using the US-designated mine-free southern corridor near Oman's coast, threatening attacks on ships that deviate from its preferred route.
Oil markets react
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments, carrying a large share of Middle Eastern oil and LNG exports. Following news of the attack, West Texas Intermediate crude for August delivery rose 0.95% to $69.20 a barrel on NYMEX, while Brent for September gained 0.96% to $72.68 a barrel on ICE.
- Ceasefire begins between US/Israel and Iran, halting active hostilities.
- Donald Trump signs preliminary agreement in Versailles, launching a 60-day negotiation period.
- IRGC attacks ships; US retaliates. Both sides agree to a week-long truce.
- US and Iran hold indirect discussions on the strait, but no breakthrough is achieved.
- IRGC fires missiles at two commercial vessels, the first attack since 27 June.
What comes next
The White House has not yet announced any retaliatory measures, though US media report that response scenarios are under review. The renewed violence casts doubt on the viability of the 60-day negotiation track and raises fears of a wider escalation in the Gulf.
