US launches third round of strikes as Iran temporarily shuts Strait of Hormuz


This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments

• US launches third round of strikes against Iran, CENTCOM says
• IRGC Navy says Strait of Hormuz temporarily closed until further notice
• Iran, Oman to continue technical talks on Hormuz Strait
• US lawmaker 'detained' by Israeli settlers in West Bank
• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia express deep concern over recent escalations

Saturday developments at-a-glance

Published: July 12, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Military tensions escalated sharply on Saturday as the United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran following an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the temporary closure of the strategic waterway. 

Despite the escalation, regional diplomacy continued, with Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan calling for dialogue, restraint and the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The United States said its latest strikes targeted Iran after the IRGC attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, leaving one civilian crew member missing and the vessel unable to continue its voyage. The IRGC, meanwhile, said it had temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, warning that no vessels would be permitted to pass until what it called US interference in the region ends.

Diplomatic engagement continued alongside the military escalation. Iran and Oman agreed to continue political and technical talks on navigation and maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar and the United Arab Emirates stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and implementing the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also expressed deep concern over the latest escalation, calling for maximum restraint and renewed mediation efforts.

For earlier developments, read our July 11 live blog here