The Day of the Strait's Blockade Reinstated

On July 13, the dominant editorial focus across all sources was the U.S. announcement of a renewed naval blockade on Iran, with CENTCOM declaring it would begin July 14. State-aligned outlets like Tasnim and Hamshahri Online led with Iran's rejection of any U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, while foreign-based media such as VOA Persian and Radio Farda covered Trump's statements on reinstating the blockade and charging 20% fees on vessels. The strait was reported completely blocked by Tasnim, with traffic halted. Throughout the day, headlines tracked a cycle of U.S. strikes on southern Iran and IRGC retaliatory attacks on bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman. The UK's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization added a diplomatic dimension. By evening, a secret letter from Trump to Congress about new military operations and a fresh threat against Iran for the night signaled further escalation. Non-war stories, such as a football contract and an actress's return, appeared but remained secondary to the blockade narrative.