U.S. Forces Launch New Offensive in Iran
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has declared the initiation of a fresh military offensive against Iran, specifically targeting Greater Tunbu Island located near the Strait of Hormuz. This comes just eight hours after the conclusion of a prior operation.
Recent days have seen an escalation in tensions in the region. CENTCOM reported a series of nighttime attacks aimed at the Islamic Republic, culminating in a significant wave strike early Wednesday morning. This attack, lasting 90 minutes, focused on coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage sites, indicating a direct effort to diminish Iran’s capabilities to threaten commercial shipping in the strategic strait.
“During a 90-minute wave, CENTCOM fired precision munitions against coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunbu Island. This attack further reduced Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” stated the command.
The operation commenced at 6 a.m. ET and wrapped up around 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, which marks a shift from CENTCOM’s usual practice of conducting operations later in the day.
Interestingly, this latest operation took place shortly after CENTCOM had completed another, which was a seven-hour wave strike targeting military installations near Iranian coastal areas. It was noted that U.S. fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels were instrumental in these efforts.
“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed additional strikes against Iran at 10 p.m. ET on July 14, striking dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas,” reported the command.
This series of attacks became particularly active just before the formal resumption of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. CENTCOM noted that since enforcing the blockade, the U.S. military managed to redirect two commercial vessels attempting to breach it.
“U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to ensure full compliance,” the command reassured on Wednesday morning.
Earlier, on July 7th, CENTCOM responded to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). In a statement made on Tuesday, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper provided a concerning update about the situation.
“Over the past seven days, Iran has attacked seven commercial ships and intentionally targeted civilians across the region, resulting in the death, disappearance, or injury of nearly a dozen civilian crew members. Iranian forces have also fired dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf states,” Cooper said. “The U.S. military continues to hold Iran accountable for its unwarranted aggression, which continues to put innocent lives at risk.”
