Iran says Hormuz closed again and expands attacks to Qatar and UAE

Sunday, July 12, 2026Confirmed

World Desk

What we know

U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults, with Tehran targeting U.S. facilities across Gulf states on Sunday and saying it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported. Iran said late Saturday it closed the waterway after a warning shot struck a vessel on an unauthorized route.

Iran’s strikes extended to Qatar—a mediator not attacked since April—and the UAE, which said air defenses engaged Iranian missiles and drones for the first time since early May. Tehran blamed failed Muscat talks with Oman on U.S. pressure.

What's confirmed

Hormuz closed again after warning-shot vessel hit (Reuters).
Iran expands to Qatar and UAE (Reuters).
Muscat Iran–Oman talks fail amid U.S. pressure claim (Reuters).

What's still developing

Damage assessments in Qatar and UAE; mediator diplomacy path.

Sources

Reuters — Hormuz closed; Gulf-state expansion including Qatar/UAE link