Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-13 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Tankers struck in Hormuz Indian crewman killed
Oil spikes as US-Iran strikes widen
Hamas blocks Gaza aid convoys fueling crisis

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, two national tankers were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters, killing one Indian crew member and wounding eight others, including four seriously, according to the UAE Defense Ministry. The ministry said fires on both ships were brought under control and condemned the attack as a serious breach of international law, adding that the UAE retains its full right to respond and take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, and that it remains on high alert. In a separate update, UKMTO reported a tanker northeast of Qalhat, Oman, was struck by an unknown projectile, with no crew injured. This is a developing story.

In US Military Role, oil prices rose more than 3% as renewed US-Iran strikes heightened fears over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude at about $78.40 and WTI around $73.58 per barrel after earlier gains. The market cited the ongoing disruption risk to a corridor that carries a substantial share of global oil and gas. The US Central Command said it completed a wave of strikes against dozens of targets in Iran using precision munitions intended to limit Tehran’s ability to attack in the Strait of Hormuz, including air-defense facilities and other targets. The White House and CENTCOM also signaled continued pressure as the third consecutive night of strikes began, with reports of explosions in southern Iranian cities such as Kish Island, Sirik Island, Qeshm Island, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas. President Donald Trump indicated that the United States was attacking Iran’s capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement and noting other fronts such as potential Iranian drones in Cuba. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans expect the US war with Iran to drag on, up from 65% earlier in the year, with a substantial portion of the public approving of strikes. The same period saw a group of Democratic senators, led by Kirsten Gillibrand, urging the Pentagon to disclose within a week the findings of an ongoing investigation into a February 28 strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, which preliminary reports suggested could have involved US forces and killed numerous civilians; lawmakers pressed for an unclassified accounting and steps to prevent recurrence. Separately, President Trump said the US would take out Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz, telling Iranians to be ready, in a warning tied to Tehran’s nuclear program and a long-running campaign to deter its capabilities.

In Regional Impacts, a United Nations official said Hamas is obstructing aid distribution in Gaza, placing civilians under greater hardship. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said aid operations were halted after armed men entered a food distribution point in northern Gaza and assaulted two World Food Programme truck drivers, describing these incidents as part of a dangerous pattern of intimidation and obstruction that jeopardizes humanitarian workers and the delivery of life-saving assistance. Hamas denied the allegations.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, analysis suggests the Houthis may be moving toward renewed confrontation with Saudi Arabia after a period of de‑escalation. The Houthis claim Riyadh targeted Sana’a airport, the group’s control center in Yemen, and have signaled a willingness to retaliate if Saudi Arabia blocks flights from Iran. Analysts note the Houthis are seeking to open an air bridge to Iran as a means to break the siege on Sana’a and potentially bring in weapons, while they also warned of further actions if Saudi moves to block landings. The Houthis previously intensified attacks in the region, including on Israel, and observers say this marks a shift back toward broader hostilities after a period of relative quiet.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902418
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902417
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-902414
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-attacking-iran-capabilities-related-strait-hormuz
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/americans-expect-prolonged-us-iran-war-ceasefire-falters-reutersipsos-poll-finds
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-902410
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/trump-says-us-will-take-out-pickaxe-mountain-iran
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902416
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-902415