Strait of Hormuz – US Military Extends Air Campaign with Fresh Strikes Across Iran
Strait of Hormuz – The United States has carried out another round of military strikes on Iranian targets, saying the operation was intended to reduce threats to commercial shipping moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that it had completed its 11th straight night of military operations against Iran. According to the command, the strikes concluded at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time on July 21 and were directed at facilities linked to Iran’s military infrastructure. Officials said the objective was to weaken Tehran’s capability to disrupt maritime trade along one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
CENTCOM outlines objectives of the operation
In its official statement, CENTCOM said the latest strikes focused on military operations centres, aircraft hangars, drone storage locations, maritime assets and logistics facilities. The command stated that these sites were selected to reduce Iran’s operational capacity and limit its ability to threaten vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier in the day, CENTCOM had confirmed on social media that its forces had launched another series of attacks, describing them as part of an ongoing campaign aimed at safeguarding international commercial navigation.
US highlights concerns over shipping security
The US military said Iran has been responsible for attacks on more than 30 commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the past three months. According to CENTCOM, these incidents placed hundreds of civilian sailors at risk and challenged the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.
Despite the security concerns, the command stated that commercial shipping has continued through the waterway. It added that since early May, American forces have supported the safe movement of nearly 900 commercial ships carrying an estimated 450 million barrels of crude oil, underlining the route’s significance to global energy markets.
Iranian media reports strikes in several provinces
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), reported that multiple locations across the country were hit following the US announcement.
According to IRIB, airstrikes were reported in the Chavar and Abdanan areas of Ilam province. Local authorities in Abdanan confirmed that the Dinarkoh region had been among the locations affected.
The broadcaster also reported an attack outside the city of Baneh in Kurdistan province. In Hamadan province, officials were quoted as saying that Kabudar Ahang County had also come under attack during what they described as continuing US military action.
Explosions reported from different regions
IRIB further stated that explosions were heard in Mahshahr in Khuzestan province as well as in Tabriz, located in East Azerbaijan province. In southeastern Iran, residents in Chabahar reportedly heard several explosions, while aircraft were briefly observed flying over the area.
Authorities in Khuzestan said regions surrounding Behbahan and Omidieh had also been struck by missiles. Officials added that emergency teams and security agencies were conducting assessments to determine the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, officials in Sistan and Baluchestan province confirmed that Chabahar and Konarak were targeted. They stated that the security situation had been brought under control following the attacks.
Regional tensions continue to rise
The latest military action comes amid worsening relations between Washington and Tehran after the collapse of a 14-point memorandum of understanding that had been signed last month. The agreement had been intended to reduce hostilities and revive negotiations, including discussions related to Iran’s nuclear programme and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the breakdown of the agreement, the conflict has intensified across West Asia. The United States has continued targeting Iranian military assets, while Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes aimed at American military installations in the Gulf region, raising concerns over the possibility of a prolonged regional confrontation.