US Forces Complete Third Consecutive Night of Strikes on Iran
United States forces have completed a third consecutive night of military strikes against Iran, according to reports from the US military. The operation, which concluded at 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time on July 13, 2026, involved a five-hour mission targeting military infrastructure across Iran.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were designed to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and to undermine its military capabilities. During the mission, American forces employed precision-guided munitions to target coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, and Iranian naval assets. According to CENTCOM, the strikes reached multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Jask, Konarak, and the island of Abu Musa.
This escalation follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and his proposal to collect a 20 percent fee on vessels to cover the cost of protecting the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated that while Washington has protected the strait for 50 years without compensation, he has not ruled out the possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran.
Contested Control of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains the central point of conflict between the two nations. While the US maintains that the waterway must remain open to international traffic, Iranian military leadership has asserted that the United States has no role in determining the future of the strait and will not be permitted to intervene.
Iranian officials have declared the strait closed to commercial navigation until further notice, citing what they describe as American interference. In response, CENTCOM maintains that the strait is open to all vessels seeking legal passage and that Iran does not exercise control over the international corridor.
The current instability threatens a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, 2026, which was intended to end hostilities that began on February 28. Prior to the latest clashes, more than 570 vessels had passed through the strait following the agreement, which had initially included provisions for Iran to allow transit without charging fees.
Regional Impact and Military Posture
The exchange of fire has extended beyond Iranian territory, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming responsibility for attacks on military installations in neighboring countries. The IRGC reported targeting US forces and facilities in Bahrain—specifically the Jaffer base—as well as airbases in Jordan and Kuwait.
Reports from the region indicate:
* Jordan: The Jordanian armed forces intercepted four Iranian missiles, though the IRGC claimed to have damaged fuel tanks and ammunition warehouses at the Prince Hassan Air Base.
* Bahrain: Explosions were reported near the Jaffer base, with the IRGC claiming to have hit a communications center and residential buildings used by US personnel.
* Kuwait: Iranian forces claimed to have struck military facilities, including the Ali Al-Salem and Ahmed Al-Jaber airbases, while the Kuwaiti military reported engaging “hostile aerial targets” within its airspace.
Within Iran, local authorities reported two deaths and multiple injuries following strikes near Abadan. Additionally, Iranian military sources claimed to have shot down an American MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz using air defense systems.
Stakes and Diplomatic Status
As of July 13, 2026, the US military confirmed that more than 50,000 American troops are deployed across the Middle East. CENTCOM stated that these forces remain in a state of high readiness and vigilance.
Despite the military activity, the situation remains fluid. Iranian officials noted that they have continued diplomatic consultations with Oman, Qatar, and Pakistan to avoid further escalation, even as the IRGC vowed to continue retaliatory operations. President Trump, meanwhile, indicated that the US is monitoring targets closely, having previously warned that the US would strike “forcefully” if necessary. The ongoing volatility has resulted in rising oil prices and uncertainty in financial markets.
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