The US military conducted strikes on the Gariveh and Kahurestan bridges in Iran's Hormozgan province on July 12 and 13, 2026. The attacks killed at least two people and injured four others.
Hormozgan province borders the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil exports. The strikes concentrated near Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
This action follows a pattern of infrastructure targeting. A previous US strike on the B1 bridge near Karaj in April 2026 resulted in eight deaths and 95 injuries.
The region's instability directly affects global markets. During the strike period, Bitcoin fell below $63,000, challenging the narrative of it as a safe-haven asset during acute geopolitical crises.
Investors are monitoring tanker insurance rates and Gulf shipping route data. These are key indicators for whether the conflict will escalate from land and air operations into a maritime disruption that could further constrict oil supply.