The U.S. military launched two waves of strikes against Iranian coastal defenses and missile sites on July 15, coinciding with the re-imposition of a naval blockade of Iranian ports. According to US Central Command, these operations targeted command centers, air defense sites, and drone capabilities in Bandar Abbas and on Greater Tunb Island to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command Targets Iranian Coastal Defenses and Missile Sites
The U.S. military initiated a 90-minute wave of strikes starting around 6 a.m. EDT on July 15. US Central Command confirmed the first wave hit cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island. A second wave followed nine hours later, targeting multiple cities.
Specific targets included coastal surveillance facilities and command centers in Bandar Abbas, which serves as the home to Iran’s largest port and key Revolutionary Guards facilities. The military also reported disabling an unladen oil tanker heading toward Kharg Island with Hellfire missiles after the vessel ignored multiple warnings.
Did you know? The Strait of Hormuz carried about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war.
Iran Responds with Strikes in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it struck US military targets across the region on July 15. These retaliatory strikes included a missile and drone attack on a radar system and a gathering of US military personnel at the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait.
Inside Iran, the impact of US strikes was reported by various state-affiliated outlets. Press TV noted explosions in the central city of Khondab, while the IRIB state broadcaster reported strikes near a hospital in Ahvaz that houses a pediatric cancer center, necessitating a temporary evacuation.
Tehran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, characterized the conflict as an “essential and existential war with America,” stating that Iranian security depends on maintaining “Iranian arrangements” in the strait.
Oil Markets React as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
Energy markets shifted immediately following Iran’s July 11 announcement that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, hit a one-month high of US$84.95 a barrel on July 15.
The combination of the closure and ongoing military operations has effectively halted the transit of ships through the artery. This escalation follows the collapse of a fragile truce and raises the possibility of further restrictions on regional energy exports.
Market Insight: When the Strait of Hormuz is threatened, Brent crude typically sees immediate volatility due to the high volume of global LNG and oil that relies on this specific maritime corridor.
Trump Administration Strategy: Force and Diplomacy
Trump has maintained a stance of military pressure to achieve a diplomatic settlement. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defence and Innovation Summit, Trump stated, “We’ll have Iran defeated soon,” while claiming that Iranian officials “want to settle so badly.”
On July 14, Trump noted that US negotiators had contacted Iranian counterparts to urge a deal. However, Iran’s military spokesperson stated that the Strait of Hormuz would only reopen if the US complied with a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed in June and adhered to “Iranian regulations” for ship traffic.
Comparative Summary of Military Actions (July 14-15)
| Action | United States | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Naval Strategy | Re-imposed blockade; redirected 2 ships; disabled 1 tanker. | Closed the Strait of Hormuz (announced July 11). |
| Air/Missile Strikes | Two waves hitting Greater Tunb Island and Bandar Abbas. | Targeted US sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. |
Diplomatic Gestures and Prisoner Release
Despite the hostilities, a significant diplomatic gesture occurred. Trump announced via Truth Social that Iran allowed the release of an American citizen who had been detained since December 2024. Human rights attorney Jared Genser identified the individual as Dena Karari, confirming on X that she is traveling back to the United States.
This release comes amid a broader conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, where fighting has resumed between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Tasnim reported that 35 people were killed by US attacks in July alone, citing a health ministry official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US attack Greater Tunb Island?
According to US Central Command, the strikes targeted coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage to disable Iranian military capabilities and force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
What is the current status of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran announced the closure of the strait on July 11. US military operations and the naval blockade imposed on July 14 continue to prevent ships from transiting the area.
How has the conflict affected oil prices?
Brent crude oil rose to a one-month high of US$84.95 a barrel on July 15 as a result of the transit disruptions.
To stay updated on evolving geopolitical tensions and global energy impacts, subscribe to our daily briefing or explore our deep-dive analysis on Middle East maritime security.
What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of naval blockades in modern diplomacy? Let us know in the comments below.
