US Strikes Iranian Military for 12th Consecutive Night, Imposes Naval Blockade

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has completed the latest round of airstrikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday (22/7) night. This operation marks the twelfth consecutive night of US military aggression into Iranian territory amid mounting tensions. “At 10.30pm US Eastern Time (09.30am WIB) on 22 July, CENTCOM forces completed new strikes against Iran for the twelfth night in a row,” read an official CENTCOM statement. The strikes specifically targeted Iran’s maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance posts, and a number of air defence assets. The US military claims the operations aim to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial ships in strategic waterways. In addition to the airstrikes, the US military has also reimposed a naval blockade against Iran. CENTCOM reported diverting nine commercial vessels and disabling one other to prevent logistical traffic from entering and leaving Iranian ports. To date, more than 50,000 US military personnel remain stationed across the Middle East region. CENTCOM confirmed the forces are on high alert and combat-ready to face potential further escalation. The physical confrontation continues despite both countries having signed a framework agreement through Pakistani mediation last June. The deal, which was hoped to pave the way for peace after war broke out in February, appears to have failed to halt the cycle of retaliatory attacks on the ground. Iran had previously retaliated against US strikes by targeting American military facilities and bases in several regional countries.