U.S. Strikes Reach Northern Iran; Blockade Tightens at Strait of Hormuz

On July 16, 2026, the U.S. expanded its military campaign into northern Iran and disabled a vessel breaching a blockade (a naval restriction on maritime traffic) at the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, ongoing since July 14, followed the collapse of a June diplomatic agreement. Iran warned it would target regional infrastructure if attacks persist.