The Strait of Hormuz has once again become the focus of rising tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the strategic waterway would operate only under Iranian terms. His remarks came as military exchanges between Iran and the United States continued to escalate.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Ghalibaf accused the United States of using threats and military pressure against Iran.
He warned that any attack on Iran would be met with a strong response. He also said that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open only through what he described as “Iranian arrangements” rather than American pressure.
The statement came shortly after the United States announced another round of military operations against Iranian targets.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out additional strikes on July 8 to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the operation targeted nearly 90 military sites across Iran.
Officials stated that the strikes hit air defence systems, coastal surveillance equipment, missile and drone storage facilities, naval assets and military logistics infrastructure located along Iran’s coastline.
The latest military action followed another operation conducted a day earlier.
According to CENTCOM, US forces struck around 80 Iranian military targets on July 7.
The statement said those targets included more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US officials said the operation was launched after Iran allegedly violated a ceasefire by attacking three commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM added that American forces remain prepared to carry out further operations if required.
Meanwhile, Iran also announced military action against US facilities in the Gulf region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it launched attacks on two American military bases in Kuwait and two bases in Bahrain.
Iranian officials described the strikes as retaliation for recent US military operations inside Iran.
The IRGC also warned that any additional American attacks would trigger a broader military response targeting more US installations across the region.
At the time of reporting, there was no independent verification of the claims made by either side regarding the full extent of damage caused during the latest exchanges.
Officials from the countries involved have continued to issue statements defending their respective military actions.
Security analysts say the ongoing confrontation has increased concerns about stability across the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
A significant share of internationally traded oil passes through the narrow waterway every day.
Any disruption to commercial traffic could affect international energy markets and increase uncertainty for global trade.
Experts believe continued military exchanges may also create additional security risks for commercial shipping operating in the area.
Governments across the region continue to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic efforts remain limited.
As tensions persist, the Strait of Hormuz continues to play a central role in the growing confrontation between Iran and the United States, with global attention focused on developments that could affect regional security and international commerce.
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