US Intensifies Military Action Against Iran, Launches New Strikes to Secure Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Washington, D.C., July 13: The United States has carried out another wave of military operations against Iran, escalating the confrontation in the Gulf as Washington says it is acting to safeguard international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. US military officials stated that the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s capacity to threaten civilian vessels and maintaining the security of one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest offensive began on Sunday evening (US local time) under the direction of President Donald Trump. The military said the action was intended to weaken Iranian military infrastructure linked to attacks on commercial shipping and to respond to recent incidents involving civilian maritime traffic.

Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the southern coastal regions of Jask, Bandar Abbas and Sirik following the US operation. While Tehran has not released detailed information on the damage, the strikes mark another significant escalation in the ongoing military standoff between the two countries.

The renewed hostilities prompted concern from the United Nations. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that continued military exchanges could have devastating consequences for regional stability, global security and the international economy. Calling for restraint, he urged both Washington and Tehran to immediately resume diplomatic engagement instead of allowing the conflict to spiral further.

The latest operation follows another large-scale US military campaign conducted earlier this week. CENTCOM said American forces struck nearly 140 Iranian military assets using fighter aircraft, drones and naval platforms. The targets reportedly included missile launch sites, drone infrastructure, naval facilities, ammunition depots, communications systems and coastal surveillance installations.

Speaking during an interview with NBC‘s Meet the Press, President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international commercial traffic despite heightened tensions. He asserted that the United States had responded decisively after what he described as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, adding that recent diplomatic efforts with Tehran had effectively collapsed following the latest developments.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes each day. Continued military activity in the region has raised concerns over global energy markets and the security of international maritime trade.