The United States military launched airstrikes on Iranian port cities on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, targeting infrastructure in Bushehr and Bandar Abbas to weaken Iranian capabilities against commercial vessels.
President Donald Trump withdrew a threatened 20 percent security fee on ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz just five hours before its scheduled implementation, according to The Guardian.
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Trump announced the removal of the maritime transit toll, opting instead to pursue investment and trade frameworks with Gulf Arab nations while maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The policy shift occurred during a White House meeting with Iraqi officials regarding security dynamics and financial burdens of patrolling the international waterway.
"Based on highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership," Trump said, adding, "But at the same time, it’s not fair that we’re protecting this strait for the entire world."
Iran retaliated by striking Bahrain, Jordan, and two Emirati-associated tankers.
Regional leaders responded to the escalating military friction and the collapse of navigation agreements that have left at least 28 people dead since last week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned during a conference in southern Israel: "I will say it to the leaders of Iran: Do not count on things remaining quiet if you attack us."
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"The days are over when someone strikes us and we don’t hit back with a decisive blow," Netanyahu added.
