The United States military has launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian targets to diminish Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), these operations began at 21:00 GMT on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following a direct order from President Donald Trump to hold Iranian forces accountable.
Military Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz
CENTCOM confirmed the strikes via a statement on X, noting that the objective is to degrade Iran’s ability to target civilian sailors and commercial vessels. The U.S. military maintains that these actions are necessary to ensure the freedom of transit for international trade.
President Trump characterized the strikes as a firm response to recent Iranian provocations. In an interview with CNN, the President stated, “We hit them very hard last night,” emphasizing that the military action followed a pattern of hostile behavior by Iranian forces against commercial traffic.
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Diplomatic Breakdown and Operational Context
The latest military engagement occurred despite recent indications of diplomatic progress. According to President Trump, the U.S. and Iran were near a potential agreement as recently as Saturday. However, the diplomatic window appeared to close abruptly.
“They gave up everything, then all of a sudden two hours after that, they hit a ship with a drone,” Trump told CNN. This incident, cited by the President, highlights the volatility of the current situation where military actions and diplomatic negotiations are occurring in rapid, often contradictory, succession.
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For real-time updates on maritime security in the Middle East, monitor official releases from CENTCOM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the U.S. striking Iranian targets?
The U.S. military states that the strikes are designed to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships and civilian sailors transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
What triggered the latest wave of attacks?
According to President Trump, the strikes were a response to an Iranian drone attack on a vessel that occurred shortly after the two nations were reportedly nearing a diplomatic agreement.
What is the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz?
It is a maritime route for ships and commercial vessels.
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