US launches new strikes against Iran to protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz
The United States Central Command announced a new series of strikes against Iran, aimed at degrading its ability to attack civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that on the night of July 13, under orders from President Donald Trump, the US began another series of strikes against Iran. The strikes are intended to further weaken Iran's capacity to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM stated on social media that the strikes began at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and that the commander-in-chief ordered them to hold Iranian forces accountable.
Earlier, on July 12, CENTCOM said that US armed forces were ready to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz despite threats and attacks from Iran. The US had previously conducted a third wave of strikes against Iran within a week, in response to an Iranian military attack on a commercial vessel in the strait.
On July 7–8, the US struck dozens of targets in Iran, retaliating for a series of Iranian attacks on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran responded by attacking US assets in the Middle East.
On July 10, President Trump stated that Iran had approached the US with a request to resume negotiations.
