The United States launched a second consecutive day of airstrikes against Iran on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following a direct order from President Donald Trump to degrade Iran's capacity to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz [1]. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the operation began at 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time, stating the strikes target defense and radar facilities near the strait as well as drone command and control sites to prevent Iran from blocking the critical shipping lane [1].
The military action serves as a direct response to recent aggression by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which attacked merchant ships passing through the strait and fired cruise missiles and suicide drones that were successfully intercepted by U.S. forces [1][2]. CENTCOM spokesperson Rear Adm. Tim Hawkins confirmed that the strikes were initiated to impose heavy costs on Tehran for its "unwarranted and continued aggression" against international commerce [1][2].
Following the U.S. announcement, Iranian state television reported a series of explosions across southern coastal cities and key islands, including the outskirts of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Sirik, and Jaszk [1]. The explosions occurred shortly after midnight local time on July 13, confirming that the U.S. military had struck multiple locations in Iran's southern region [1].
This escalation marks a significant intensification in the broader conflict over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and driven up gasoline prices [1]. President Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for a deal to end the war, citing Iran's refusal to accept U.S. terms regarding its enriched uranium stockpiles [1][3]. The strikes place a fragile two-month ceasefire under immediate strain, with Iran having recently fired on U.S. troop-hosting nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan [3].
