On Monday, July 13th, 2026, the United States launched a series of strikes against multiple locations across Iran, targeting military air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US forces in the Middle East, stated that these operations aimed to degrade Iran’s ability to attack international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials reported that the US strikes hit eight cities in Khuzestan province, resulting in the death of one security guard and injuries to four people at a water station in Mahshahr. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it attacked sites linked to the US military in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Additionally, Iran said almost a dozen enemy projectiles targeted Qeshm Island.

These Monday attacks followed a previous round of US strikes on Saturday, July 11th, when about 140 targets across Iran were hit in retaliation for IRGC attacks on commercial shipping and Tehran’s announcement that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Control of the Strait, a critical passageway for about 20 percent of global energy exports before the conflict, remains a major point of contention.

Meanwhile, diplomatic engagements continue, with the Iraqi Prime Minister scheduled to meet US President Trump in Washington to deepen strategic ties.

The recent exchanges highlight the escalating tensions in the Gulf region, undermining an already fragile truce between the US and Iran.

Sources