July 14, 2026, 06:23July 14, 2026, 9:45 a.m
What is the USA doing?
The USA has continued to bomb targets in Iran in the escalating conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced further tough attacks on Iran for Monday evening and today, as well as a resumption of the naval blockade against ships heading to or departing from Iranian ports. According to military information, the blockade will apply from 10 p.m. German time today. Oil prices then shot up again.
Footage on social media shows the explosions in Iran.Image: x
In a radio interview, Trump also suggested that the United States could attack a facility deep underground in central Iran, also known as “Pickaxe Mountain.” There has been speculation about its purpose for a long time, especially because of its proximity to the Natan nuclear facility. One theory is that Iran wants to build a secret facility there to enrich uranium, which could be used to build nuclear weapons.
Pickaxe is “a possible target” for a “big, fat” attack, Trump said. It will probably happen “relatively soon”.
The US military finally declared the third nightly wave of attacks in a row to be over this morning. Iranian media had previously reported several explosions on the island of Kish in the Persian Gulf, in the area of the port city of Bushehr, the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz and the large city of Bandar Abbas.
How does Iran react?
In return, Iran attacked two Emirati tankers with cruise missiles. According to the Emirates, they were traveling on the southern route within Omani territorial waters. According to the Ministry of Defense there, an Indian crew member was killed and eight were injured.
According to domestic media, Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard said the US military had tried to steer several ships onto an “illegal route”. The two tankers switched off their navigation systems and ignored repeated warnings from the security checkpoint for the Strait of Hormuz. They were then shot at and rendered unable to maneuver.
The US military said it attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Oman just over a month ago. The ship was supposed to transport Iranian oil, it was said at the time. According to the government in New Delhi, three Indian crew members were killed in the attack.
Meanwhile, Jordanian state television reported, citing the armed forces, that four missiles fired from Iran had been intercepted. The alarm sirens also sounded again in the Gulf state of Bahrain, which is also an ally of the USA. The Interior Ministry called on residents via X to remain calm and seek shelter. There were initially no details. Both Bahrain and Kuwait were recently at the center of Iranian retaliatory attacks and had only reported enemy rocket fire the night before.
How does the USA justify its attacks?
The US military justified the renewed attacks against Iran by wanting to prevent further attacks on innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, which is important for global trade in oil, gas and fertilizer, connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf.
Trump announced that from now on, for “reasons of fairness,” the USA would claim revenue of 20 percent of the freight value for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This is intended to compensate for the costs incurred in ensuring safe passage.
Donald Trump wants to generate revenue from the Strait of Hormuz.Image: keystone
At the end of June, his Foreign Minister Marco Rubio emphasized that no country had the right to charge money for the use of international waters because they did not belong to any state. Such a demand will never be part of an acceptable agreement.
What does Iran say about Trump’s ideas?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked Trump and wrote on Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of this strait and will ALWAYS remain so,” wrote Araghchi. Then he added that 20 percent was “of course too much. We will be fair.”
Abbas Araghchi thinks little of Trump’s plans.Image: keystone
Is the war now really flaring up again?
Some people in the region fear this because of the recent US attacks and Iranian counterattacks – especially since Trump declared the ceasefire with Tehran to be over a few days ago.
The Wall Street Journal quoted US officials as saying the attacks were intended both to punish Tehran for attacks on ships in the strait and to persuade the country’s leadership to return to the negotiating table. It was said that Trump is unlikely to seek an all-out war.
Trump wants to address the nation with a speech on Friday morning at 3 a.m. German time, as he announced on Truth Social. A president gives a speech like this when he wants to make important announcements or when a significant moment has occurred for Americans. Trump did not name a topic. It is therefore unclear whether he will comment on the Iran war.
According to media reports, the US President informed Parliament days ago about the resumption of US attacks on Iran – with legal implications. Several media outlets cited a letter that dated the start of the US attacks on July 7th. In his view, Trump has thus created the basis for being able to wage war against Iran again for 60 days without the consent of the legislative Congress. (dab/sda/dpa)