On August 1, 2026, a merchant vessel successfully navigated the Red Sea under the escort of the Italian frigate Bergamini, according to a statement from the European Unionâs naval mission ASPIDES. The protective operation highlights ongoing maritime security efforts in a region currently experiencing significant geopolitical tensions.
Archiv: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) / signed 1982 / effective 1994
Saudi Crown Prince tells Trump focus must be on avoiding wider conflict
He also emphasized the need to make every possible effort to achieve de-escalation, paving the way for diplomatic solutions that would deliver positive outcomes, preserve the region‘s security and stability, and prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict with repercussions for regional and international security and stability.
Trump says Mideast allies have reached outlines of deal to end Iran war, says US to stop new strike
Trump added that the emerging deal „would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran‘s nuclear threat.“
„Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,“ Trump said.
Yemenâs Houthis claim 8 Saudi oil tankers diverted via Cape of Good Hope
Military spokesperson says maritime blockade has forced Saudi tankers to avoid Red Sea route
Zelenskyy has attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor. A blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel‘s behest to drag Europe into its war. In calls with EU High Rep Kallas and FM Lavrov, made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did CANNOT GO UNANSWERED.
(July 26, 2026)
Ukraine strikes Iranian vessels in Caspian Sea, Tehran accuses Kyiv of âhostile and criminal actâ
(July 26, 2026)
Iran said the attack left one sailor dead and injured several others. The countryâs foreign ministry complained to Ukraineâs chargĂ© dâaffaires in Tehran early on Sunday and âconveyed Iranâs strong protest over the âhostile and criminal act.ââ Iranâs Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
In a post on X highlighting Ukraineâs attacks on distant Russian targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that his countryâs forces âalso achieved very strong results with longârange strikes in the Caspian Sea â including vessels used in military cargo shipments involving Iran, as well as a warship.â
Saudi military strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after the Iran-backed militia attacked Red Sea shipping
Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that its coalition forces struck Houthi militia in Yemen after the Iran-backed group claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea earlier in the week.
Air defenses in Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen.
The latest salvos appeared to indicate an escalation in fighting in a second front in the Iran war.
Trump tells Axios he‘s considering a „bigger than ever before“ attack on Iran
„I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,“ Mr. Trump told Axios, adding that he believed Iran‘s leaders „want to negotiate,“ but aren‘t yet ready to make a deal.
„They haven‘t received enough pain yet,“ he told the outlet.
U.S. forces carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes across Iran on Wednesday, and Mr. Trump warned in a social media post Thursday that the Islamic Republic and its Houthi allies would both face „major military punishment“ if the Yemeni rebels repeat their attacks from earlier this week on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Watch: Houthi spokesperson says group targeted Saudi oil tankers
(10 hours ago)
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said its armed forces targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, claiming the vessels had violated a ban imposed by the group.
Saudi Arabia‘s state media later confirmed that one of its vessels was struck and the bow of the ship caught fire, with a source adding that all crew members onboard Encelia were safe.
High Representative of EU and Bahrain, as Presidency of GCC, issue statement on Strait of Hormuz and Freedom of Navigation
Brussels, Jul. 18 (BNA): On the occasion of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels on 13 July, co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas on behalf of the European Union, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the High Representative and the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued the following joint statement:
1. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirm that freedom of navigation, including the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strait used for international navigation, are guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These rights belong to the ships of all States and cannot be suspended, impeded, or made conditional by any State.
2. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and against the sovereign territory of States of the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These attacks endangered civilian lives and mariners, violated international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and are wholly unjustifiable.
3. We reject as unlawful any assertion of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any State, and we oppose any regime of permits, transit tolls, or service fees imposed upon international shipping. No bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between States can unlawfully govern or restrict the right of passage through an international strait, which is guaranteed to all States under international law and cannot be subordinated to the control or permission of any State.
4. We express our full solidarity with the States affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities placed in danger. An attack on the security of one is a concern for all who depend on the safety of this vital waterway.
5. We call upon Iran to cease immediately and unconditionally all attacks and all interference with maritime navigation; to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, sustainably and without condition, toll, or fee; and to comply fully with international law and with Security Council Resolution 2817. We reject the imposition of any unilateral or unlawful mechanism or arrangement affecting safe passage through the Strait. States must work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation.
6. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council will continue to coordinate closely to uphold freedom of navigation, to support the protection of international shipping and seafarers, and to advance a just and durable peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
7. We continue to call for restraint and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and to uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Co-chairs Statement by the High Representative and the Kingdom of Bahrain as Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the Strait of Hormuz and Freedom of Navigation
13.07.2026 Brussels, 13 July 2026
EEAS Press Team
On the occasion of the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Brussels on 13 July 2026, co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas on behalf of the European Union, and HE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his capacity as President of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the High Representative and Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued the following joint statement:
1. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirm that freedom of navigation, including the right of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strait used for international navigation, are guaranteed under international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These rights belong to the ships of all States and cannot be suspended, impeded, or made conditional by any State.
2. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks carried out by Iran against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and against the sovereign territory of States of the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These attacks endangered civilian lives and mariners, violated international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and are wholly unjustifiable.
3. We reject as unlawful any assertion of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any State, and we oppose any regime of permits, transit tolls, or service fees imposed upon international shipping. No bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between States can unlawfully govern or restrict the right of passage through an international strait, which is guaranteed to all States under international law and cannot be subordinated to the control or permission of any State.
4. We express our full solidarity with the States affected by these attacks and with the seafarers of all nationalities placed in danger. An attack on the security of one is a concern for all who depend on the safety of this vital waterway.
5. We call upon Iran to cease immediately and unconditionally all attacks and all interference with maritime navigation; to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, sustainably and without condition, toll, or fee; and to comply fully with international law and with Security Council Resolution 2817. We reject the imposition of any unilateral or unlawful mechanism or arrangement affecting safe passage through the Strait. States must work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation.
6. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council will continue to coordinate closely to uphold freedom of navigation, to support the protection of international shipping and seafarers, and to advance a just and durable peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
7. We continue to call for restraint and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis and to uphold freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
EU, Gulf states call on Iran to unconditionally reopen Strait of Hormuz
CAIRO â 19 July 2026: The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Saturday called on Iran to permanently reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping without imposing any conditions or transit fees.
In a joint statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and the GCC presidency strongly condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the vital strait.
Iran asks Houthis to block Red Sea if US hits energy sites: Reports
Iranian officials have asked Yemenâs Houthis to block the Red Sea if the U.S. carries out strikes on Tehranâs energy sites, according to Reuters.
Two senior Iranian sources and a regional source familiar with the matter reportedly told the outlet that the Houthis had been informed of the request, which was discussed within the Islamic Republicâs leadership.
Three Oil Tankers targeted in successive attacks Off Omani Coast
Muscat: The Maritime Security Centre has reported that three oil tankers were targeted in separate attacks off the Omani coast, with one crew member confirmed killed and three others still missing, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Indian sailor killed in Iranian strike on oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz
One Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were wounded in an Iranian missile strike targeting two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emiratesâ Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Companyâs (Adnoc) shipping arm confirmed that two of its very large crude carriers were struck and sustained âsignificant damageâ while passing through the strait.
Iran unexpectedly backs Trumpâs plan to charge ships in Strait of Hormuz â then declares Tehran will collect the money
Araghchi agreed that whoever provides safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait should be paid for the service.
Then came the catch.
„Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER,“ he wrote on X.
And as for Trump‘s proposed price?
„20% is of course too much. We will be fair.“
Trump is âvery seriousâ about Hormuz toll push
President Donald Trump is âvery seriousâ about his plan to impose a 20% toll on cargo transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, a White House official told Semafor, asserting that itâs a plan heâs wanted to move forward with for months.
The president has long flirted with the idea of charging a toll, wondering back in April âwhy shouldnâtâ his administration do so and threatening to impose fees in June if a deal with Iran was not completed within a 60-day period.
Trump‘s Strait of Hormuz fee would have cost millions, opened „a very dangerous Pandora‘s Box,“ experts say
„Whether the going rate is $200 or $20m, there is no legal basis for charging vessels to exercise their right of transit passage through an international strait,“ Lloyd‘s List editor Richard Meade wrote Monday. „Whether such demands originate in Tehran or Washington is largely beside the point. The danger lies in normalising the idea that access to one of the world‘s most important maritime arteries can be subject to politically conditioned payments.“
âPirates of Hormuzâ: Brazil PM Lula attacks Trump‘s 20% shipping toll, calls it âpiracyâ
Brazilian President Luiz InĂĄcio Lula da Silva on Tuesday criticised US President Donald Trump‘s proposal to impose a 20 per cent charge on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, mocking Washington as a „pirate“ state.
His remarks came after Trump announced that the US would reinstate what he called the „Iranian blockade“ and begin charging vessels for securing one of the world‘s busiest shipping lanes.
Trumpâs ridiculous Hormuz proposal is the last thing the world needs
The strait was open before the US and Israel joined forces to wage war on Iran, only to have that nation slam it shut. Some vessels got through during the ceasefire, with Iran charging $3 million for a fully loaded supertanker to transit the strait.
Trumpâs threatened toll would jack that cost up to $69 million.
Trump proposes 20% toll on cargo through Strait of Hormuz; restarts Iran blockade
President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. will impose fees in the Strait of Hormuz âat the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped,â after declaring America the âguardianâ of the major oil shipping route.
U.S. military to enforce new Iran blockade starting 4pm Tuesday
President Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. is reinstating the naval blockade on Iran and will prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. The blockade will go into effect on July 14 at 4pm ET.
Trump also claimed the U.S. would be „reimbursed“ at a rate of 20% for securing safe passage for cargo ships, though the details and seriousness of the initiative were not immediately clear.
Oman summons Iran‘s ambassador, hands over a protest note
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has summoned Mousa Farhang, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Sultanate of Oman, to hand him a formal note of protest following the targeting of sites in the Governorates of Musandam and Al Wusta by unmanned aerial vehicles.
The note of protest was handed over by Shaikh Khalid bin Hashil al Musalhi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, when he received the Iranian Ambassador in Muscat today.
IRGC Navy: Strait of Hormuz closed until US ends regional intervention
Earlier, the IRGC Navy reported having been forced to fire a warning shot at a vessel after several ships ignored its instructions regarding navigation through the strait.
Describing the incident involving the trespassing vessel, the force said the ship had switched off its onboard systems, therefore, posing a threat to maritime safety.
Iran, Oman discuss Hormuz safe passage
Published: 11:01 PM, Jul 11, 2026
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran held talks in Muscat on Saturday regarding navigation on the Strait of Hormuz to ensure its safety and freedom in light of recent developments and their repercussions.
The two sides agreed to carry on with the talks at both the technical and political levels to reach agreements in accordance with international law.
The discussions were held by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Qatar rushes to Tehran in New Diplomatic Push to cool down US-Iran standoff
The meetings are being held in coordination with Washington and are focused on implementing existing US-Iran MoU while resolving the disputes that triggered the latest standoff between the two countries. Among the central issues is the long-running disagreement over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worldâs most critical energy corridors.
Iran UN envoy warns country wonât be bound by MoU if US violations continue
In a statement to reporters outside the UN Security Council on Friday, Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said the United States has repeatedly breached the MoU, including through large-scale military attacks on Iranian islands and southern cities on July 7 and 8.
These renewed attacks, he said, constitute a âflagrant violationâ of the UN Charter and a material breach of the MoUâs first clause, which commits the US to ceasing all military action against Iran.
Iran privately told Trump advisers „they made a mistake“ in shooting at ships in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian officials privately told Trump advisers that they made a mistake in shooting at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, that the attacks stemmed from an „errant“ sect of hardliners who are trying to undermine negotiations, and that they want to keep talking, senior U.S. officials said on Friday.
The White House wants the regime to publicly acknowledge its mistake, which the Trump administration views as a violation of the ceasefire.
President Trump has directed his team â led by Vice President JD Vance, the president‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio â to continue negotiations.
The talks are to take place in Oman on Saturday.
Strait of Hormuz Map
This map shows countries, cities, towns, ports, airports, islands, and roads in the Strait of Hormuz Area.
More LNG, Japan-linked vessels transit Hormuz despite renewed Mideast tensions
âWhatâs different now, compared to the start of the conflict, is that Iran is striking vessels using the âOmani routeâ rather âthan targeting all vessels, which means vessels will increasingly turn towards the âIranian routeâ or transit dark when transiting through the strait,â said Xavier Tang, a senior market analyst at Vortexa.
Meanwhile, 22 Japan-linked vessels, including six large crude oil tankers, transited the strait to exit between July 7 and 9, leaving only four vessels in the Gulf, Japan âtransport minister âYasushi Kaneko told a news conference on Friday.
Iran‘s chilling warning before Strait of Hormuz attacks
ran has reportedly targeted at least three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardising peace negotiations with the US.
Audio obtained by Fox News captures the Iranian Navy issuing a warning to vessels before the reported attacks.
âThis is the last warning; this is last warning; this is last warning. You are all in danger. Donât put your life in danger. You are ordered to alter course,â he said.
âDo so immediately, alter course, do so immediately, and use the south of Larak Island.
âIf you disobey, you will be targeted. Navy out,â the Iranians said before reportedly attacking.
Iran strikes three ships in Strait of Hormuz
Jul 7, 2026
Tensions are rising in the Middle East after Iran reportedly struck three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours.
The US has revoked Iran‘s authorisation to produce and export oil following the attacks.
The attacks threaten to derail negotiations aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict.
They also risk collapsing a recent agreement under which Iran pledged to halt attacks in the strategic waterway.
Oil prices rise 5%, and stocks drop worldwide after Trump says ceasefire with Iran is âoverâ
Oil prices rose, and stock markets dropped in shaky trading worldwide Wednesday after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran.
The S&P 500 fell as much as 1.1% after Trump said the agreement to pause fighting was âover,â but the index then trimmed its loss to 0.3% after Trump said the most recent exchange of fire with the Islamic Republic did not herald a return to full-scale war. Theyâre his latest mixed messages on what will happen with the war, which threatens to worsen inflation for the world.
Oman condemns attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and commercial ships
Omanâs Foreign Ministry has released a statement condemning Iranâs attacks on sites in Bahrain and Kuwait as well as on two commercial ships from Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement affirmed Omanâs solidarity with its neighbouring countries and said increasing military tensions in the region threaten Omanâs safety and security. It also said the attacks threaten global trade networks and energy supplies.
US launches strikes on Iran and reimposes sanctions in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping
This comes as Trump meets world leaders at the NATO summit in Turkey, where the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be a key topic.
No confirmation from Iran on attacks in Hormuz strait
As for the three separate attacks that weâre looking at ⊠frankly speaking, we do not have any official confirmation from the Iranian side regarding its involvement in those attacks.
What we know about the tankers hit in the Strait of Hormuz
(5 hours ago)
– Three tankers have been hit by projectiles in separate attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
– One vessel caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman, while two others sustained damage, including one reportedly hit by a drone. No injuries were reported.
– The first vessel targeted was the Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat, which was struck near Limah, Oman, while transiting south toward the Gulf of Oman.