The US has carried out a new series of strikes against Iran and deployed naval drones for the first time
US Central Command has reported that, on the night of 13 July, the US military launched a new series of strikes on Iranian territory. According to CENTCOM, the operation is being carried out on the orders of US President Donald Trump.
The command stated that the aim of the strikes is to further weaken Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial vessels engaged in free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM later announced the completion of this new wave of strikes. According to the US military, dozens of targets in several regions of Iran were struck using precision-guided munitions.
The command noted that, for the first time, strike-capable maritime unmanned systems were used alongside traditional airborne assets. US fighter jets, US Navy ships and unmanned aerial vehicles were also deployed in the operation.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, as well as small vessels.
US Central Command also stated that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The command emphasised that the strait is a vital maritime corridor for global trade, and that the US armed forces are ready to ensure the freedom of commercial shipping, despite Iran’s threats and actions.
Prior to this, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired warning shots at a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and announced its closure. Following this, the US launched strikes on Iranian territory for the third time in a week.
It was previously reported that the United States had carried out strikes on more than 100 targets in Iran following a missile attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
