US launches new strikes on Iran, restores naval blockade
Photo: US military strikes targets near the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)
US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a new wave of strikes against Iran and simultaneously reinstated the naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas.
At 10 p.m. ET on July 14, CENTCOM concluded a new wave of strikes against Iran, hitting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and in the country’s coastal regions.
For seven hours, US fighter jets, drones, and ships fired munitions at Iranian targets—missile and drone launchers, naval assets, and coastal defense systems.
Naval blockade
On the same day, at 4 p.m. ET, the US resumed its naval blockade of ships traveling to or from Iranian ports or coastal areas.
According to CENTCOM, US forces remain "vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief."
In addition to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran could also block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, repeating the same trick.
At the same time, Trump stated that he had abandoned the idea of charging a 20% fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, the US hopes to conclude new, favorable agreements with the countries of the Persian Gulf.
Iran had previously attacked two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz with missiles—one crew member was killed, and two Ukrainian citizens were among the wounded.
