By SUNTV Global Channel
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it carried out a fresh wave of military strikes against Iranian military targets, saying the operation was aimed at protecting international commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the coordinated operation targeted dozens of military sites across multiple locations using precision-guided munitions to weaken Iran’s ability to launch attacks against vessels operating in the strategic waterway.
In a statement, the command said the strikes focused on Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, as well as small naval vessels believed to be involved in maritime operations.
CENTCOM stated that the operation involved U.S. fighter aircraft, naval warships, one-way attack aerial drones and, for the first time, one-way attack sea drones.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it,” the U.S. military command said, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation for commercial shipping.
The United States added that its forces remain on high alert and are prepared to ensure safe passage for international vessels despite what it described as continued threats and harassment in the Gulf region.
The latest military operation marks another escalation in the growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes and a critical artery for global energy supplies.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions following the collapse of diplomatic talks between the two countries. Although negotiations are reportedly continuing through intermediaries, both sides have exchanged strong rhetoric in recent days.
U.S. President Donald Trump said discussions with Iran would continue through diplomatic channels but insisted that the idea of a ceasefire was effectively over following the latest military exchanges.
Speaking on the crisis, Trump criticised Iran’s leadership, accusing the country of posing a threat to global security and expressing doubts about the prospects for future negotiations.
As of the time of this report, Iranian authorities had not issued an official response to the latest U.S. military operation. The developments have heightened concerns among the international community over the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East, with potential implications for global oil markets, regional security and international trade.
