Signal US–Iran conflict escalates: naval blockade reinstated, new sanctions, ICC targeted

Summary

President Trump announced a renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports and ordered further strikes on Iranian coastal defence systems, missile sites and drone bases, with Iran retaliating against US facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. Trump notified Congress that hostilities with Iran had resumed, securing authority to continue attacks for 60 days without congressional approval. The official US military death toll rose to 14. Secretary of State Rubio announced on 14 July an intent to systematically neutralise the International Criminal Court. Legislators are considering adding Iran and Hezbollah to a Russia sanctions bill.