US Strikes Iran for Ninth Day With Hormuz Near Standstill

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  July 20, 2026 at 16:08  |  1:16  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Tyler Kendall — Multimedia Editor, Bloomberg

Summary

US airstrikes on Iran continued for a ninth day, aimed at degrading Iran's ability to target commercial shipping and punishing the IRGC. The Strait of Hormuz is effectively at a standstill after the IRGC halted multiple vessels. Both sides signal a willingness to negotiate, but internal splits in Iran and US threats of wider strikes are escalating tensions. Bloomberg Economics expects tensions to flare further this week.

  • Ninth straight day of US airstrikes on Iran targets communications and military sites.
  • Iran attacks US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq.
  • IRGC confirmed it halted at least four vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Observable shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is virtually at a standstill.
  • US Secretary of State Rubio says Iran has given strong signals it wants to negotiate, but hardliners oppose a deal.
  • Bloomberg Economics expects tensions to intensify this week as Trump threatens to widen strikes.
  • US service member death toll reaches 17.
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