The US military has launched its third consecutive night of strikes in Iran, as tensions continue to rise in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, aim to impose significant costs on Iranian forces and curb their attacks on civilians and commercial shipping. This military action follows Trump's announcement of a naval blockade against Iran, set to begin on July 14, 2026.
US Strikes Target Iranian Military Facilities
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the recent strikes are part of a broader strategy to degrade Iran's military capabilities. CENTCOM stated that the strikes are focused on Iranian naval assets and infrastructure, specifically targeting the Bandar Abbas Naval Base.
“These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces,” CENTCOM posted on X. The military aims to prevent any further Iranian attacks on shipping routes crucial for global oil supplies.
Trump's Naval Blockade Announcement
On July 13, 2026, President Trump declared that the United States would reinstate a blockade against Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “From this point forward, the USA will be known as 'The guardian of the Hormuz strait,'” he stated, adding that Iran and its customers will no longer be allowed to navigate this strategic waterway without compensation.
