US Completes 11th Night of Iran Strikes
The United States military has completed an eleventh consecutive night of strikes against targets inside Iran, continuing an air campaign that Washington says is intended to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Strikes Iranian Military Targets
US Central Command said the latest operation targeted Iranian military operations centres, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities and logistics infrastructure.
The strikes began at approximately 7pm Eastern Time on July 21 and concluded shortly after 8pm. Explosions and air-defence activity were reported in several parts of Iran, including areas near Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Mahshahr, Behbahan and Parchin.
Iranian media reported the activation of air-defence systems in northeastern Tehran and other locations. However, the US military did not confirm strikes against targets in the Iranian capital.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Tensions
CENTCOM said the campaign was designed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The US military accused Iran of attacking more than 30 commercial vessels during the previous three months, endangering mariners and disrupting freedom of navigation. Tehran maintains that it has the authority to regulate shipping routes through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM said US forces had helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial ships carrying about 450 million barrels of crude oil since early May.
Iran-US Conflict Continues
Iran has responded to the US campaign with missile and drone attacks against American military facilities and regional allies. Tehran has accused Washington of violating an earlier agreement intended to reduce hostilities and protect commercial shipping.
Efforts to restore diplomatic negotiations have continued without producing an immediate breakthrough. The conflict has also increased pressure on energy markets as threats to the Strait of Hormuz are compounded by renewed Houthi warnings affecting Red Sea shipping.
