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TAMPA, Fla. — July 12, 2026 — In a major military escalation aimed at securing one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully executed a fresh wave of offensive strikes across multiple locations in Iran. Utilizing an advanced array of precision munitions, the targeted operation successfully hit dozens of strategic sites to decisively degrade Iran’s capability to disrupt and attack international commercial shipping flowing through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The extensive bombardment focused heavily on neutralizing key military assets, including Iranian military air-defense systems, coastal radar infrastructure, missile and drone launch capabilities, and small combat boats. Notably, the operation marked the historic, first-time deployment of U.S. one-way attack sea drones alongside traditional assets such as fighter aircraft, naval vessels, and one-way aerial drones.
Underscoring the geopolitical stakes of the operation, American military officials reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital international maritime corridor indispensable to global trade, explicitly clarifying that Iran does not hold sovereign control over the waterway. The deployment serves as a direct message that U.S. forces remain fully postured, prepared, and committed to guaranteeing uninterrupted freedom of navigation for commercial vessels. Moving forward, Washington maintains that it will continue to take necessary defensive actions to safeguard civilian mariners against Iran’s persistent and unwarranted aggression, maritime harassment, threats, and arbitrary regional declarations.