New U.S. Airstrikes Hit Iran, CENTCOM Claims

Washington (Terror Monitor) — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it completed a new round of military operations against Iran during the night of July 12–13, targeting multiple Iranian military sites aimed at reducing threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, CENTCOM said the objective of the operations was to weaken Iran’s capabilities that, according to the U.S. military, could be used to target international commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the statement, the operations involved fighter aircraft, naval vessels, aerial drones, and, for the first time, maritime drones. CENTCOM said both aerial and maritime drones were used in unilateral strike missions.

The U.S. military said the strikes targeted Iran’s air defense systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, naval facilities, and small military boats.

CENTCOM stated that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global trade and that Iran does not have control over it.

The command added that U.S. forces remain deployed and prepared in the region to ensure that commercial vessels can continue to operate freely and safely, despite what it described as Iran’s ongoing aggression, threats, and unilateral actions.

The U.S. military did not provide details about the extent of damage caused by the strikes or possible casualties in Iran.

Iran has not immediately issued an official response to CENTCOM’s latest claims. However, Tehran has previously condemned U.S. strikes as violations of international law and indicated that it would respond.

Analysts say rising military tensions between the United States and Iran are increasing security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, with potential consequences for global energy supplies and international maritime trade.