US bombs Iran again, Tehran strikes Gulf, tankers: What’s the latest? | US-Israel war on Iran News
U.S. Launches Attacks Against Iran for Third Consecutive Night
Late Monday, the United States conducted military strikes against Iran for the third night in a row, as tensions in the region escalated. The attacks come amid continued Iranian retaliation, including strikes on UAE-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Overview of Attacks
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the latest strikes commenced at approximately 4:45 PM Eastern Time and targeted Iranian capabilities to threaten civilian and commercial shipping in the waterway. CENTCOM confirmed that the operations lasted five hours and involved strikes on military targets across various locations in Iran, including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in southern coastal areas throughout the night, particularly in Bandar Abbas and on Kish and Qeshm islands. According to the Fars news agency, an explosion in western Bandar Abbas did not result in any casualties.
Iranian Response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a broader retaliatory action against U.S. allies in the region. The Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian forces struck several vessels in the Strait, labeling them “violating.” A U.S.-made drone was also reportedly downed near Bandar Abbas.
In specific incidents:
- UAE: Authorities confirmed that two oil tankers, flagged from the United Arab Emirates, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles within Omani waters in the Strait of Hormuz. One crew member, an Indian national, was killed, and eight others were injured.
- Kuwait: Iran’s military announced it had executed a drone attack on U.S. military positions, targeting a Patriot missile system, fuel tanks, a watchtower, an ammunition depot, and communication infrastructure.
- Bahrain: The IRGC reported missile and drone strikes on al-Juffair Base in Bahrain, which houses U.S. forces, targeting weapons storage depots and communication centers. Air sirens were activated multiple times in Bahrain on Tuesday.
- Jordan: Jordan’s military intercepted four missiles launched from Iran. The IRGC subsequently claimed to have targeted U.S. forces at a key Jordanian airbase, stressing that the operation was directed at the U.S. military presence and not at Jordanian citizens.
Official Statements
On July 10, President Donald Trump informed Congress of resumed military action against Iran, invoking his authority to maintain U.S. forces in combat for an additional 60 days without Congressional approval. During a Monday press conference, Trump indicated that U.S. strikes were effectively dismantling Iranian offensive capabilities, yet he maintained that a diplomatic agreement remained a possibility.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his expectation that Gulf nations should contribute to the financial costs associated with U.S. military efforts to secure shipping lanes, emphasizing that the U.S. protects significant economic interests in the region.
The U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre confirmed that a blockade of Iranian ports would take effect on Tuesday at 8 PM GMT, encompassing the entire southern coastline of Iran.
In response, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, emphasized Iran’s determination to defend its interests in the Strait of Hormuz amidst new legislative efforts to manage the strategic waterway.
Shipping Impact and Market Response
Following the escalation of hostilities, oil prices saw a significant surge, rising more than 9 percent on Monday with Brent crude reaching approximately $81 per barrel. Ship-tracking firm Kpler reported a 52 percent decline in crossings through the Strait of Hormuz from July 10 to July 12 compared to the previous week.
