12 July 2026 , 10:16
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The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the conclusion of its latest round of military strikes against Iran, saying the operation targeted approximately 140 military sites as part of efforts to counter threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement released on its official platform, CENTCOM said US forces carried out precision strikes using fighter aircraft operating from land and maritime bases, unmanned systems, and naval assets.
The command said the targets included Iranian missile and drone facilities, naval capabilities, ammunition storage sites, communications networks, and coastal surveillance installations.
“Over three nights of strikes this week, US Central Command targeted more than 300 sites at the direction of the Commander-in-Chief,” the statement said, adding that the objective was to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels travelling through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM stressed that commercial shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz continue, describing the waterway as a vital international maritime route.
The command said US forces have assisted the safe passage of more than 800 commercial vessels carrying around 400 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since early May.
The latest strikes followed what Washington described as an Iranian attack on the Cyprus-flagged container vessel GF Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the incident resulted in the death of one civilian crew member and caused significant damage to the vessel, including a fire onboard and damage to the engine room.
CENTCOM said Iran had failed to demonstrate compliance with commitments related to maritime security following previous incidents involving commercial vessels, adding that the United States would continue efforts to prevent further threats to civilian shipping.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tehran was now facing consequences for what he described as a “bad choice.”
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported explosions in several southern areas, including Bandar Abbas and Minab in Hormozgan province, as well as Dayyer, Kangan, Bushehr and Asaluyeh.
The reports came amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with independent verification of battlefield developments remaining limited.
The escalation has intensified concerns across the region over the security of key maritime routes, energy supplies, and the potential for further military confrontation.
Head of Investigations