On July 13 (local time), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had completed a new air strike targeting many Iranian military targets along the southern coast of the country, with the aim of further reducing the ability to attack Tehran's maritime transport routes.
According to CENTCOM, the operation ended at 10:15 PM on July 13 (Eastern US time) after about 5 hours of continuous operations.
During this airstrike, the US military claimed to have attacked military targets in many locations, including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa island and Bandar Abbas.
CENTCOM said that US forces have used precision guided weapons to attack Iran's coastal defense systems, missile battlefields, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) bases and many maritime combat capabilities.
The US Central Command has completed a new offensive aimed at further reducing Iran's ability to attack commercial ships," the statement stated.
According to CENTCOM, there are currently more than 50,000 US troops deployed throughout the Middle East region.
US forces still maintain vigilance, combat capability and combat readiness," the agency emphasized.
This is also the third consecutive night the US has conducted airstrikes against Iran under the order of President Donald Trump.
Previously, Mr. Trump said that the US military is focusing on destroying all of Iran's military capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr. Trump said: "We are attacking them tonight and will destroy all capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz".
Mr. Trump declared that the US is restoring the blockade against Iran, but still affirmed that the possibility of reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran has not been completely eliminated, despite the escalating military tensions.
The latest move takes place in the context that the Middle East region continues to witness complex developments after a series of back-and-forth attacks between the US and Iran.
Experts warn that any conflict related to the Strait of Hormuz risks having a strong impact on the energy market and global supply chains.
