The United States has carried out a new wave of military strikes against Iran, targeting key military installations along the country’s southern coastline during a five-hour operation.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation concluded at 10:15 p.m. ET on July 13. The military said it used precision-guided munitions to strike maritime capabilities, coastal defense systems, missile sites, and drone facilities.
The operation targeted locations in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas. Officials stated that the strikes focused on military assets linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Says Military Action Targets Strait of Hormuz Capabilities
The latest operation marked the third consecutive night of strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We’re attacking them tonight, and we’re taking out all of their capability for anything having to do with the Strait of Hormuz,”
Despite the military escalation, Trump expressed optimism about diplomacy. He stated, “Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do,”
He also added, “We had a deal with them two days ago and then they said, ‘Oh we can’t make that deal. We have to negotiate it further.'”
The White House confirmed that President Trump formally notified Congress about the renewed military operation. The notification allows the Pentagon to continue operations in the region for an additional 60 days without immediate congressional approval.
Iran Responds With Regional Military Action
Following the US strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain.
According to Iranian state media, the strikes targeted “Several weapons support warehouses, a satellite communications center and the residential building for US forces in Bahrain were targeted,”
Reports also stated that Bahrain urged residents to seek shelter after warning sirens sounded.
Iranian media further reported casualties following the latest US strikes. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guards claimed they also targeted US military sites in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.
Diplomatic Talks Continue Despite Rising Conflict
CENTCOM announced plans to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports beginning at 2000 GMT on Tuesday.
In a separate statement on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would become “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT”. He also announced plans to impose a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway while allowing free passage for all countries except Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying safe passage could involve compensation. However, he stated, “20% is of course too much.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the memorandum of understanding signed in June was “in crisis”. Nevertheless, he confirmed that Tehran continues discussions with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman to prevent further escalation.
The latest developments highlight growing tensions in the region. At the same time, diplomatic efforts continue as both sides weigh military action alongside ongoing negotiations.
