U.S. Strikes Iran for Third Consecutive Night, Renews Naval Blockade

CENTCOM targets missile, drone and coastal defense systems as Washington moves to secure the Strait of Hormuz

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – United States forces carried out a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, targeting military sites along the Islamic Republic’s coastline and near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command confirmed.

The five-and-a-half-hour operation began at approximately 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and concluded at 10:15 p.m., according to CENTCOM. U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and maritime capabilities at several locations, including areas near Bandar Abbas and Bushehr.

The latest attacks followed a series of Iranian strikes against commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and additional missile and drone attacks aimed at Gulf nations hosting American troops and military infrastructure.

More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed throughout the region, according to CENTCOM.

The renewed fighting has centered increasingly on control of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway separating Iran from Oman.

Tehran recently established what it calls the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, demanding that commercial vessels register with Iranian officials so their cargoes and crews can be inspected. Iran has also sought to force ships to use a northern route closer to its coastline rather than a southern passage near Oman favored by the United States.

American officials have rejected Iran’s claim of authority over the international shipping lane. President Donald Trump said Monday that the earlier ceasefire was “over” and declared that the United States would again enforce a naval blockade against ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said the renewed blockade would formally take effect Tuesday, July 14, at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The previous blockade was enforced from April 13 through June 18 and included the interception or redirection of vessels suspected of violating U.S. restrictions.

Trump said the United States would allow legitimate international commerce to pass through the strait while restricting vessels conducting business with Iran.

“We’re going to let everyone get through, except if you’re doing business with Iran,” the president said during an interview Monday.

The escalation came after Iran reportedly attacked four commercial vessels in the strait during the previous week. The Trump administration has said the renewed U.S. military campaign is intended to protect American personnel, defend international shipping and prevent Tehran from using the waterway to threaten the global economy.

Iran maintains that it has the right to regulate maritime traffic near its territorial waters. Washington argues that ships are entitled to uninterrupted passage under longstanding international maritime principles.

The competing claims have sharply reduced commercial traffic through the strait and raised fears that continued confrontation could disrupt global energy supplies and draw additional Gulf nations into the conflict.

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