Rising Tensions Between the United States and Iran Over Control of the Strait of Hormuz

美國與伊朗就掌控霍爾木茲海峽之緊張局勢升級

Jun 28, 2026, 22:52
AsiaInternational

Introduction

The United States and Iran have carried out a series of military strikes against each other. These actions have put a recent temporary peace agreement at risk and threatened the security of the Persian Gulf region.

美國與伊朗對彼此進行了一系列軍事打擊。這些行動使近期的一項臨時和平協議面臨風險，並威脅到波斯灣地區的安全。

Main Body

The current tension began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 17, which aimed to end a conflict that started in February. The main problem is a disagreement over Article 5 of the agreement, which discusses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims it has total control over the waterway and insists that ships must use a northern route under its supervision. On the other hand, the United States supports a southern route near the coast of Oman, backed by an international maritime group. This disagreement led to attacks on commercial ships, which the U.S. says were caused by Iranian aggression.

目前的緊張局勢始於6月17日簽署的一份諒解備忘錄（MoU），旨在結束2月開始的衝突。主要問題在於雙方對協議第五條關於重新開放霍爾木茲海峽的內容存在分歧。伊朗聲稱其完全掌控該水道，並堅持船隻必須在其監督下使用北線路徑。另一方面，美國則在國際海事組織的支持下，支持靠近阿曼海岸的南線路徑。這一分歧導致了對商船的攻擊，美國稱這是由伊朗的侵略行為所引起的。

In response, U.S. Central Command attacked ten Iranian military sites, focusing on communication and drone systems. Consequently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by launching missiles and drones at U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Furthermore, ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has made the situation worse, as Iran believes that peace in Lebanon must happen before a lasting peace can be reached in the Gulf.

作為回應，美國中央司令部攻擊了十個伊朗軍事據點，重點在於通訊與無人機系統。隨後，伊斯蘭革命衛隊（IRGC）通過向科威特和巴林的美國基地發射導彈與無人機進行反擊。此外，以色列與黎巴嫩真主黨之間持續的戰鬥使情況更加惡化，因為伊朗認為必須先在黎巴嫩實現和平，波斯灣才能達成持久和平。

These events have had a serious impact on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The region has suffered around $58 billion in infrastructure damage. Despite these risks, experts believe that Gulf states will continue to rely on U.S. military protection because there are no other viable alternatives. Meanwhile, the IRGC has suggested it may move toward developing nuclear weapons to maintain a strategic balance against the U.S. and Israel.

這些事件對海灣阿拉伯國家合作委員會（GCC）國家產生了嚴重影響。該地區的基礎設施損失約580億美元。儘管存在這些風險，專家認為海灣國家將繼續依賴美國的軍事保護，因為沒有其他可行的替代方案。與此同時，革命衛隊暗示可能會轉向研發核武，以維持對抗美國與以色列的戰略平衡。

Conclusion

Although both sides have exchanged attacks and used aggressive language, there are reports that they may return to diplomacy during a planned meeting in Qatar to resolve the maritime disputes.

雖然雙方交換了攻擊並使用了激進的措辭，但有報導指出，他們可能會在卡達計劃舉行的會議期間恢復外交，以解決海事爭議。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Jump' (Connectors for B2)

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to show cause, effect, and contrast using more sophisticated "bridge words." These words tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🛠 The Transition Toolkit

Look at these phrases from the text. They aren't just words; they are signals:

  • "Consequently..." →\rightarrow A2 Version: "So..."

    • Example: The IRGC retaliated. Consequently, they launched missiles.
    • B2 Logic: Use this when the second action is a direct result of the first.

  • "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow A2 Version: "Also..."

    • Example: Furthermore, ongoing fighting in Lebanon has made the situation worse.
    • B2 Logic: Use this to add a new, strong point to your argument.

  • "Despite..." →\rightarrow A2 Version: "But..."

    • Example: Despite these risks, experts believe states will rely on the U.S.
    • B2 Logic: This is a "power word." It introduces a surprise or a contradiction. Note that it is followed by a noun phrase (these risks), not a full sentence.

💡 Quick Upgrade Guide

Instead of writing a list of simple sentences, try this transformation:

❌ A2 Style: There is a disagreement. So, there were attacks. Also, Israel is fighting.

✅ B2 Style: There is a disagreement; consequently, attacks occurred. Furthermore, the conflict is worsened by fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Pro Tip: To move to B2, stop thinking in "dots" (separate sentences) and start thinking in "chains" (connected logic).

Vocabulary Learning

memorandum (n.)
A written note or document that records a formal agreement or set of terms.
Example:The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the new project.
supervision (n.)
The act of watching a person or activity to make sure that everything is done correctly.
Example:The students were allowed to use the laboratory only under the supervision of a teacher.
aggression (n.)
Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another person or country.
Example:The international community condemned the military aggression against the small island nation.
retaliated (v.)
To respond to an attack or injury with a similar attack.
Example:The army retaliated by launching a counter-offensive after the border breach.
infrastructure (n.)
The basic physical and organizational structures, such as buildings, roads, and power supplies, needed for the operation of a society.
Example:The government is investing millions to improve the city's aging infrastructure.
viable (adj.)
Capable of working successfully; feasible.
Example:Solar energy is now a viable alternative to fossil fuels for many homeowners.
diplomacy (n.)
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations without resorting to war.
Example:The crisis was eventually resolved through quiet diplomacy and negotiation.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→