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Iran hits Gulf states, closes Hormuz following heavy US strikes

Iran hits Gulf states, closes Hormuz strait after night of heavy US airstrikes
MENA
11 min read
12 July, 2026
The interim peace deal between Iran and the US edged closer to collapse on Sunday as the two countries resumed attacks and Tehran closed the Hormuz strait.

This live blog is now closed: Head to our new page where we're continuing to track developments in the region.

These were the key developments earlier on Sunday:

•    Iran launched attacks across the Gulf and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a night of heavy US airstrikes

•    Tehran claimed it targeted sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, as well as a vessel in the strait. The UAE said it also intercepted Iranian missiles and drones

•    The US military said it hit 140 targets inside Iran overnight in a third round of strikes launched in response to an attack on a ship in the Gulf

•    Iranian media reported explosions across its southern coast, including in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island

•    Pakistan's top diplomat called on all sides to "show restraint" in a call with his Iranian counterpart

•    Qatar's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74