The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while travelling through Omani territorial waters in the southern Strait of Hormuz.
The tankers were identified as the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah. The UAE said one Indian crew member was killed and eight people—six Indians and two Ukrainians—were wounded, four of them seriously. Fires broke out on both vessels but were subsequently brought under control.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had attacked two tankers that ignored navigation warnings and attempted to pass through a prohibited route, although it did not confirm whether its statement referred to the same two vessels.
Importance: ★★★ High
Direct attacks on oil tankers increase war-risk insurance premiums and may discourage ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas traffic passed through the waterway, making further tanker attacks a major upside risk for energy prices.
Which Emirati tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz?
The UAE identified the vessels as the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah.
Were there casualties in the attack on the Emirati tankers?
Yes. The UAE said one Indian crew member was killed and eight crew members were injured.
Are the attacks on Emirati tankers bullish for crude-oil prices?
Yes. The attacks increase the probability of shipping disruptions, higher insurance costs and reduced energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: UAE Ministry of Defence; Reuters
Israel Hayom reported that two Gulf diplomats said several regional governments had delivered a unified message to Washington supporting the resumption of military attacks against Iran.
According to the Israeli newspaper, the message was delivered over the weekend after Iranian missile and drone attacks increased security concerns across Gulf countries. The report also claimed that some Gulf states had begun providing limited operational assistance to U.S. attacks. However, the governments allegedly involved had not publicly confirmed the reported message or direct participation.
Importance: ★★★ High
Confirmed Gulf participation in attacks against Iran would significantly increase the probability of a broader regional war. Such a development would be bullish for oil and gold, but bearish for Gulf equities, tourism, aviation and regional investment sentiment.
Have Gulf governments publicly confirmed supporting renewed U.S. strikes on Iran?
No. The claim was attributed to two unnamed Gulf diplomats and had not been publicly confirmed by the governments reportedly involved.
Why would Gulf support for U.S. attacks on Iran be important?
It could transform the conflict from a direct U.S.-Iran confrontation into a broader regional war involving countries that host American forces and major energy infrastructure.
Source: Israel Hayom
U.S. Central Command said American forces completed a five-hour wave of attacks against military targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas on Monday, July 13.
CENTCOM said the operation was intended to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The targeted capabilities reportedly included coastal defences, missile and drone infrastructure and naval assets. CENTCOM added that more than 50,000 U.S. personnel were deployed across the Middle East and remained prepared for further operations.
Importance: ★★★ High
Continued attacks on Iran’s southern military and maritime infrastructure increase the risk of further disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate market bias remains supportive for oil and safe-haven assets, while global equities and transportation companies face higher geopolitical, fuel and insurance risks.
Which Iranian locations did CENTCOM say were targeted on July 13, 2026?
CENTCOM named Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas.
Why did the United States launch the latest attacks against Iran?
CENTCOM said the objective was to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: U.S. Central Command; ABC News
Importance: High ★★★
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and renewed U.S.-Iran strikes increased maritime-security risks.
Kpler data showed 14 ships, including four crude-oil tankers, crossed the strait, down about 60% from 37 vessels one week earlier and more than 85% below the pre-war daily level of over 100 ships. More vessels also shifted toward the Iran-approved northern route as traffic through the U.S.-protected Omani corridor nearly disappeared.
Tracking estimates vary because some ships switch off their AIS transponders. Reuters separately counted only six publicly visible transits on Sunday, confirming that actual traffic remains difficult to measure.
President Donald Trump subsequently announced the return of the U.S. naval blockade against Iranian shipping and proposed charging 20% of cargo value for U.S.-provided protection.
The disruption helped push Brent crude 9.59% higher to $83.30 per barrel, while WTI rose 9.42% to $78.14 on Monday.
Possible Market Effect: Continued traffic disruption is bullish for oil, tanker rates and maritime insurance, but negative for energy-importing economies, airlines and global risk assets.
Market Condition and Sentiment:
Q: How much did Strait of Hormuz ship traffic decline?
A: Kpler data indicated a decline of approximately 60% from the previous Sunday.
Q: Is the Strait of Hormuz completely closed?
A: No. Limited traffic continues, but crossings are sharply reduced, and exact totals are uncertain because some vessels disable tracking systems.
Source: Kpler, Reuters and U.S. Central Command.
Importance: High ★★★
U.S.-Iran tensions escalated sharply on Monday, July 13, 2026, after renewed missile, drone, and air strikes cast doubt on the interim ceasefire reached in June.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States was reinstating its blockade against Iranian vessels and their customers while claiming the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to other commercial traffic. He also proposed charging 20% on cargo passing through the strait to reimburse U.S. maritime-security costs, although no implementation mechanism was announced.
Iran maintained that passage would remain restricted until stability returned and U.S. military intervention ended. Conflicting American and Iranian claims over control of the waterway have increased legal and operational uncertainty for shipping companies.
Visible oil and gas tanker traffic fell to its lowest level since May 25, with only six vessels recorded crossing on Sunday as operators avoided the route or switched off tracking systems.
Possible Market Effect: The escalation is bullish for oil, freight rates and maritime-insurance costs, but negative for airlines, energy-importing economies and بازارهای جهانی سهام.
Market Condition and Sentiment:
Q: Has the United States implemented the proposed 20% Hormuz cargo charge?
A: No clear collection or enforcement system has been announced, and its compatibility with international navigation rules remains disputed.
Q: Is the Strait of Hormuz operating normally?
A: No. Some vessels are still crossing, but tanker traffic has fallen to a two-month low amid attacks and conflicting U.S.-Iranian instructions.
Source: Reuters, Associated Press and U.S. Central Command.
Importance: High ★★★
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that Washington would reinstate its naval blockade against Iranian vessels and their customers while keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to other countries.
Trump also proposed charging 20% of the value of all cargo passing through the strait to reimburse the United States for maritime security costs. However, no operational details were provided, and the International Maritime Organization said mandatory transit tolls have no established legal basis.
The announcement followed renewed U.S.-Iranian strikes and Iran’s claim that passage through the strait would remain suspended until stability was restored. The U.S. military said its blockade of Iranian ports would resume at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 14.
Possible Market Effect:
The escalation is bullish for oil, shipping insurance and the U.S. dollar, but negative for global equities, airlines and energy-importing economies.
Market Condition and Sentiment:
Q: Is the United States blocking all ships from using the Strait of Hormuz?
A: No. Trump said the blockade targets Iranian ships and their customers, while other countries would retain access.
Q: Has the proposed 20% cargo fee already been implemented?
A: No clear implementation mechanism has been announced, and its legal basis remains disputed.
Source: Reuters, Associated Press and U.S. Central Command.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced that emergency sirens had been activated for a second time on Monday, July 13, amid continuing Iranian attacks against U.S.-linked military facilities across the Gulf.
The ministry urged citizens and residents to remain calm and immediately move to the nearest safe location. Bahrain did not initially provide details about the precise threat or confirm that a new projectile had struck the country.
The renewed warning reflects an elevated state of military alert in Bahrain, which hosts strategically important U.S. military infrastructure.
Importance: ★★★ High
Repeated security alerts in Bahrain increase concerns over the vulnerability of U.S. military facilities, Gulf shipping routes and regional financial centres. Continued attacks could support oil and gold while placing further pressure on Gulf equities, aviation and investor risk appetite.
Why did Bahrain activate its emergency sirens again on July 13, 2026?
The sirens were activated amid continuing aerial threats and Iranian attacks against U.S.-linked military facilities in Gulf countries.
Did Bahrain confirm that a missile or drone struck the country after the second warning?
No immediate confirmation of a successful impact or resulting damage was available.
What were residents in Bahrain instructed to do?
The Interior Ministry asked citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location.
Sources: Bahrain Ministry of Interior; Reuters; Qatar News Agency
Iran’s regular army said it launched one-way attack drones against U.S. military facilities in Kuwait on Monday, July 13, in retaliation for renewed American strikes on Iran.
According to the Iranian military statement, the operation targeted locations housing U.S. forces, air-defence and missile systems, personnel shelters and logistical support hangars. Iran condemned what it described as repeated U.S. attacks on military sites, civilian infrastructure and civilians.
Kuwait’s General Staff confirmed that its air-defence forces were engaging “hostile aerial targets” inside Kuwaiti airspace. It said explosions heard in the country resulted from interception operations and urged residents to follow official safety instructions. Kuwait did not immediately identify the origin of the aerial targets or confirm that U.S. facilities had been hit.
Therefore, the Iranian claim that specific U.S. military positions and systems were successfully struck had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Importance: ★★★ High
The attack claims increase the risk of a broader conflict involving Gulf countries that host U.S. forces. The escalation could raise shipping, insurance, and energy-transportation costs and strengthen the geopolitical premium in oil prices. Brent crude had risen 4.3% to $79.31 per barrel as concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and regional military escalation intensified.
Did Kuwait confirm that Iranian drones struck U.S. military facilities on July 13, 2026?
No. Kuwait confirmed that its air defences were engaging hostile aerial targets, but it did not immediately confirm that U.S. facilities had been struck.
What targets did the Iranian Army claim it attacked in Kuwait?
Iran claimed it targeted U.S. troop positions, air-defence and missile systems, shelters and logistical support hangars.
Were the explosions heard in Kuwait caused by successful drone strikes?
According to Kuwait’s General Staff, the explosions were caused by air-defence interception operations. Any direct damage to the claimed targets remained unconfirmed.
Is the latest escalation in Kuwait bullish for crude oil?
Yes. The escalation is broadly bullish for oil because it increases risks to Gulf security, energy infrastructure and regional shipping. However, the market remains vulnerable to sharp reversals if tensions ease.
Sources: Public Relations Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army; Kuwait Armed Forces General Staff; Reuters; Qatar News Agency
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched missiles and drones at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan on Monday, July 13, claiming that U.S. fuel tanks and major missile or ammunition depots were destroyed.
The IRGC described the strike as the first phase of retaliation after U.S. forces attacked Iranian coastal military positions following a confrontation involving two vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters confirmed that the IRGC announced attacks on U.S.-linked facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and other regional countries, but the extent of the reported damage has not been independently verified.
Jordan’s military presented a different account, saying it intercepted four Iranian missiles and that the incident caused no casualties or material damage. U.S. officials had not publicly confirmed damage at Prince Hassan Air Base at the time of reporting.
Importance: ★★★ High
Possible Market Effect:
The expansion of direct attacks to Jordan increases the geopolitical risk premium across Middle Eastern markets. Brent crude rose 4.3% to $79.31 per barrel on Monday as renewed fighting and uncertainty over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz intensified supply concerns. Continued escalation could support oil and safe-haven assets while pressuring regional equities and broader risk sentiment.
Overall Market Condition and Sentiment:
Q&A
Did Jordan confirm that Prince Hassan Air Base was damaged?
No. Jordan’s military said four Iranian missiles were intercepted and reported no casualties or material damage.
Has the IRGC claim of destroying U.S. fuel tanks and missile depots in Jordan been independently verified?
No. The claimed destruction had not been independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
Why is the reported attack in Jordan important for global markets?
It indicates a broader geographical expansion of the conflict and increases the risk of disruption to Gulf energy supplies, military infrastructure and regional transportation routes.
Sources: IRGC Public Relations statement; Reuters; Associated Press
U.S. Central Command announced that American forces completed a new wave of strikes against Iran on Sunday, July 12, hitting dozens of military targets at several locations with precision-guided munitions.
According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian military air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats. U.S. fighter aircraft, naval vessels and one-way attack aerial and maritime drones participated in the operation, with CENTCOM saying maritime attack drones were used for the first time.
CENTCOM said the attacks were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to target international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The command maintained that Iran does not control the strategic waterway and said U.S. forces remained prepared to protect freedom of navigation for commercial vessels.
The strikes formed part of an escalating cycle of attacks between the United States and Iran over control and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that the U.S. operations targeted air defences, coastal radars, missile and drone systems and small boats, while Iran subsequently launched attacks against U.S.-linked military facilities across the region.
Importance: ★★★ High
Possible Market Effect
The new attacks increase the geopolitical and supply-risk premium in energy markets, particularly because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural-gas shipments. Brent crude rose 4.3% to $79.31 per barrel on Monday as concerns over shipping security and a broader regional conflict intensified.
Continued escalation could support crude-oil prices and defensive assets while pressuring global equities, airline stocks, transportation companies and energy-importing economies.
Overall Market Condition and Sentiment
Q&A
What targets did the United States strike in Iran on July 12, 2026?
CENTCOM said U.S. forces targeted Iranian air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities and small military boats.
Why did CENTCOM launch the new attacks against Iran?
CENTCOM said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack international commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Did the United States use new weapons during the July 12 strikes on Iran?
CENTCOM said U.S. forces used one-way attack aerial and maritime drones, and that maritime attack drones were employed for the first time.
Are the latest U.S. attacks on Iran bullish for crude oil?
Yes. The attacks are broadly bullish for oil because they increase the risk of disruption to shipping and energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz. However, volatility and reversal risks remain exceptionally high.
Sources: U.S. Central Command; Reuters; Associated Press
Importance: High ★★★
Nour News, a media outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on Monday, July 13, 2026, that Iranian forces had begun “large-scale missile and drone attacks” against U.S. military bases and vessels in the region.
According to Nour News, the operation was launched in retaliation for the new wave of U.S. attacks carried out against Iranian targets during the early hours of Monday. The report did not immediately identify the specific American bases or vessels targeted, the number of missiles and drones launched, or whether any weapons reached their intended targets.
At the time of the initial announcement, the United States, regional governments and independent sources had not provided a complete assessment of the reported Iranian operation. Therefore, claims regarding direct hits, casualties or damage to U.S. facilities and naval vessels remained unconfirmed.
The announcement followed a renewed U.S. operation targeting Iranian missile systems, air-defence assets and IRGC vessels around the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping.
Previous Iranian retaliatory attacks during the latest escalation targeted locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, where U.S. forces or military facilities are present. Regional governments reported missile and drone alerts, interceptions and damage in several locations.
Possible Market Effect:
A confirmed, coordinated Iranian attack on U.S. bases and naval vessels would represent a major escalation and could increase the risk of direct U.S. retaliation, disruption to maritime traffic and a broader regional conflict.
Oil prices had already risen by more than 3% as the United States and Iran exchanged new strikes and shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declined. Further attacks on U.S. warships, Gulf bases or commercial shipping could add to crude oil’s geopolitical risk premium and strengthen safe-haven demand.
Market Condition and Sentiment:
The announcement creates a bullish geopolitical signal for oil, but confirmation of the targets, damage and U.S. response is essential. Failure of the missiles and drones to reach their targets could limit the market reaction.
Q: What did Nour News announce on July 13, 2026?
A: It said Iran had begun large-scale missile and drone attacks against U.S. bases and vessels in response to Monday morning’s American strikes.
Q: Which U.S. bases and vessels were reportedly targeted?
A: The initial report did not identify the specific bases, countries, warships or other vessels targeted.
Q: Were any U.S. bases or naval vessels confirmed damaged?
A: No confirmed damage assessment was immediately available from U.S., regional or independent sources.
Q: Why did Iran say it launched the new attacks?
A: Nour News described them as retaliation for the latest U.S. attacks on Iranian military targets.
Q: Is the announcement bullish for crude oil?
A: Yes, from a geopolitical-risk perspective. The effect would become stronger if attacks on U.S. vessels, Gulf bases or commercial shipping are independently confirmed.
Source: Nour News, Associated Press, Reuters and regional official reports.
Importance: High ★★★
The U.S. Secret Service declined to confirm or comment on intelligence concerning an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump during his visit to Turkey, Fox News reported on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
A Secret Service spokesperson said the agency does not verify or publicly discuss intelligence matters. However, the spokesperson stressed that U.S. authorities collect information globally to conduct protective operations effectively.
“Our most important responsibility is safeguarding the President and every person under Secret Service protection,” the spokesperson told Fox News. The agency’s official protective mission includes ensuring the security of the president, vice president, their families and other designated individuals.
The statement followed a report by Israel’s Channel 12 claiming that a Western intelligence service had warned Washington about a possible Iranian plan targeting Trump during his trip to Turkey. Other reporting said Israel had shared intelligence with the United States indicating that Iran was considering a new assassination operation against the president.
The Secret Service’s response neither confirms nor denies that such an operational plot existed. It also does not establish whether the reported intelligence affected Trump’s travel arrangements or the decision to change presidential aircraft during the visit.
Possible Market Effect:
The Secret Service’s statement is unlikely by itself to generate a significant market reaction because it provides no confirmation of the alleged plot and reveals no new operational details.
Official confirmation of an active assassination plan could sharply increase tensions between Iran and the United States, strengthen demand for gold and the U.S. dollar, support crude oil’s geopolitical premium and pressure global and regional equities.
Market Condition and Sentiment:
Q: Did the U.S. Secret Service confirm an Iranian assassination plot against Donald Trump in Turkey?
A: No. The agency said it does not confirm or comment on intelligence matters.
Q: Did the Secret Service deny that a threat against Trump existed?
A: No. Its statement was neither a confirmation nor a denial of the alleged intelligence.
Q: What did the Secret Service say about protecting Donald Trump?
A: The agency said protecting the president and all other individuals under its protection is its most important responsibility and that it gathers intelligence globally to support its operations.
Q: Has the alleged Iranian plot been publicly verified?
A: No public evidence establishing a specific operational plot in Turkey has been released. The allegation remains based on Israeli and Western intelligence reporting.
Q: Is the Secret Service’s response bullish for gold or crude oil?
A: The response alone is largely neutral. A stronger bullish effect would require official confirmation of the plot or evidence of further escalation between Iran and the United States.
Source: Fox News, U.S. Secret Service, Israel’s Channel 12 and The Wall Street Journal.