US completes 13th straight night of strikes on Iran; Trump warns of 'major military punishment'
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The United States has carried out a 13th consecutive night of military strikes on Iran, targeting key military infrastructure as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate and threaten regional stability and global shipping routes.
In a statement issued late on Thursday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces conducted more than two hours of coordinated strikes beginning at 9 p.m. ET on July 23. The operation targeted Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites and maritime assets.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy trade routes.
"CENTCOM targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the statement said.
The US military added that, despite recent attacks attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the strategic waterway remains open.
"The international waterway remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Commercial vessels continue to freely navigate the strait with U.S. military support," CENTCOM said.
More than 50,000 US military persons in West Asia
The command also said that more than 50,000 US service members are currently deployed across West Asia.
The latest military action comes amid a widening regional conflict. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Iran and its Houthi allies of "major military punishment" after Yemeni fighters reportedly attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, expanding hostilities to another critical maritime corridor.
The start of the war in February
The conflict intensified after the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting US military bases. Iran has also blocked the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security.
The prolonged exchange of attacks has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region.