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

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had completed a new round of air strikes against Iranian military targets on Wednesday night (22/7). The operation marks the twelfth consecutive night of American military aggression against Iranian territory amid continually mounting tensions.

“At 10.30pm Eastern Time (9.30am WIB) on 22 July, CENTCOM forces completed a new strike against Iran for the twelfth consecutive night,” read an official CENTCOM statement quoted by Anadolu on Thursday (23/7).

The strikes specifically targeted Iran’s maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal observation posts and a number of air defence assets. The US military claimed the operation was intended to weaken Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial vessels in strategic waterways.

In addition to the air strikes, the US military has once again imposed a naval blockade on Iran. CENTCOM reported that it had diverted the routes of nine commercial vessels and disabled another to prevent logistical traffic in and out of Iranian ports.

To date, more than 50,000 US military personnel remain deployed across the Middle East. CENTCOM stressed that its forces are on high alert and ready for combat in the face of potential further escalation.

The physical confrontation continues despite the two countries having signed a framework agreement through Pakistani mediation in June. The deal, which was expected to open the way to peace after war broke out in February, appears unable to halt the exchanges of fire on the ground.

Previously, Iran had responded to US attacks by targeting American facilities and military bases in several countries in the region. The tensions have also been marked by threats from Tehran, which stated it would deliver a ‘strong and firm’ response to any attack on its national infrastructure.