U.S. launches 13th consecutive night of strikes in Iran, says operation aims to secure Hormuz shipping

The United States has carried out its 13th consecutive night of military strikes in Iran, saying the operation was aimed at protecting civilian mariners and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats.

In a statement released on Thursday (July 23), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest round of strikes was conducted at around 9:00 p.m. local time. According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities. Al Jazeera reported the development.

CENTCOM also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping despite recent attacks attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It said U.S. military operations have helped ensure that commercial vessels continue to transit the strategic waterway safely.

The command further stated that more than 50,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed across the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. The recent escalation has heightened international concerns over maritime security and the stability of global energy supplies.