The Strait of Hormuz: Escalating Conflict and the Collapse of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Iran each asserted Monday, July 13, 2026, that they controlled the Strait of Hormuz following a weekend of attacks stretching across the wider Middle East. The latest exchange was sparked by an Iranian attack on a container ship on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. This escalation further threatens any diplomacy to end the war, which has seen the waterway—a key energy chokepoint—remain the central issue in negotiations.
Conflict Over Shipping and Strategic Control
The fighting this week represents “the most significant escalation of the conflict since its opening phase” in late February 2026. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the U.S. military has been carrying out strikes in Iran to “continue degrading” the nation’s ability to attack commercial ships transiting the Strait. President Donald Trump.
The conflict has centered on Iran’s desire to shut down a U.S. Navy-protected shipping lane through Oman’s waters, which previously allowed oil and gas tankers to exit the Persian Gulf without seeking Tehran’s permission. Iran attempted to impose control over the strait this week by attacking three tankers navigating through this U.S.-protected route. In response, CENTCOM issued a statement asserting: The Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway. Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing. President Trump reiterated this sentiment during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.
The Collapse of the Memorandum of Understanding
For all practical purposes, the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of (Mis)Understanding (MOU) is over. The dispute regarding the management of the Strait has pushed both sides back into open war. Experts have pointed to the vagueness of the June 17 MOU text as a primary driver of the conflict. While the agreement explicitly compelled the U.S. to “fully end the naval blockade within 30 days” and end “any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the deal was far less explicit regarding Tehran’s obligations. It stated only that Iran would make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe pass[age].
Diplomatic Friction and Internal Divisions
Despite the renewed fighting, senior U.S. officials reported on Friday that Iranian officials privately told Trump advisers that the attacks on commercial ships were a mistake. Tehran claimed the strikes stemmed from an “errant” sect of hardliners attempting to undermine negotiations, adding that they wish to continue talking. However, the White House continues to view these attacks as a violation of the ceasefire and is demanding that the regime publicly acknowledge its mistake.
President Trump has directed his team—led by Vice President JD Vance, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff—to navigate the crisis. Tensions remain high as Iran has proposed plans to charge fees for passing ships, a move President Trump has dismissed as “unacceptable,” insisting such conditions would not be part of any peace deal.
As the conflict continues, the U.S.-Iran war, which began on February 28, remains a volatile struggle. While the conflict has previously involved Iran’s nuclear program, treatment of protesters, missile development, and support for regional proxies, the current instability is primarily defined by the fight over the world’s most important energy chokepoint.
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