GRANTS, N.M. – The Iran war remains centered on the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. forces are working to keep commercial shipping moving while Iran continues trying to force vessels to follow its rules through threats, attacks and proposed maritime restrictions.
According to the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project, Iran attempted to attack U.S. naval forces Sept. 5, likely to weaken American resolve to continue enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports. ISW-CTP reported that U.S. Central Command confirmed Iran launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships, but the missiles did not hit the ships and caused no casualties.
Hormuz Remains the Center
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and it remains the central issue in the conflict.
According to ISW-CTP, Iran is planning a restricted maritime zone outside the strait as part of an effort to stop vessels from bypassing Iranian control. Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said vessels entering the zone would have to follow Iranian transit requirements or face future restrictions.
ISW-CTP assessed that the proposed zone appears designed to pressure commercial shipping companies and force them to push the United States to lift its blockade. The United States, meanwhile, has helped commercial vessels transit the strait, undermining Iran’s effort to control shipping through the waterway.
CBS News reported Sept. 8 that Brent crude oil was trading near $97 per barrel, continuing an upward trend as the Hormuz stalemate keeps ship traffic down. The price of oil matters for Americans because higher energy costs can affect gasoline prices, inflation and the cost of moving goods.
In Remembrance
The following 17 U.S. service members have been publicly identified as having died in service to our nation during the current conflict. The Cibola County community honors their sacrifice and holds their loved ones, friends, and fellow service members in our thoughts.
Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait — March 1, 2026 Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Capt. Cody Khork Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan Master Sgt. Nicole Amor Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. Declan Coady
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia — March 1, 2026 Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington Western Iraq — March 12, 2026
Maj. John A. Klinner Capt. Ariana G. Savino Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt Capt. Seth R. Koval Capt. Curtis J. Angst Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan — July 17, 2026 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan Pvt. Isabella Gonzales Sgt Angel S Rampersand Erbil Air Base, Iraq — July 19, 2026 Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton