US Central Command Launches Third Round of Strikes Against Iranian Targets in the Strait of Hormuz

On July 12, 2026, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had initiated a fresh round of strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This escalation marks the third wave of strikes in a week, part of a broader campaign responding to repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, including the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan, and Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. The strikes aim to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten civilian mariners and commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20-30% of global oil and LNG shipments historically pass. The official X post from @CENTCOM, timestamped July 12, 2026, at 21:17:57 GMT, reads: "At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Commander in Chief has directed the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable." This post has garnered substantial engagement: over 16,900 likes, 3,477 reposts, 438 quotes, 1,297 replies, 485 bookmarks, and nearly 3.15 million views as of the latest data. It reflects the ongoing U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. ### Background Iran has repeatedly claimed control or closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning ships to use "approved" routes, often interpreted as attempts to impose tolls or assert dominance. However, the U.S. and its allies maintain the strait is open, with commercial traffic continuing despite disruptions. Iranian responses have included missile/drone strikes on the GFS Galaxy and claims of disabling another vessel. In retaliation to U.S. actions, Iran reportedly targeted U.S.-related facilities in Gulf states like Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, expanding the conflict regionally. Explosions were reported in Iranian coastal areas such as Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and near Qeshm Island.

Key Facts

The U.S. Central Command has been actively countering Iranian aggression in the region under Operation Epic Fury, a campaign launched in late February 2026. According to CENTCOM, this operation aimed to degrade Iran's missile, drone, naval, and command infrastructure, achieving significant degradation of Iranian capabilities. On July 7, 2026, the initial response to attacks on three vessels involved ~80 targets, including over 60 IRGC small boats. Additional strikes on July 8, 2026, hit ~90 targets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance, missile/drone sites, naval capabilities, and logistics infrastructure.

The recent strikes follow a pattern of retaliatory responses to Iranian aggression. On July 11, 2026, CENTCOM launched strikes following an IRGC attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, which sustained significant engine room damage and fire. A civilian crew member, reportedly an Indian national, went missing during the incident. Iranian claims of disabling a U.S.-linked vessel were met with strikes targeting U.S.-related facilities in Gulf states.

Reactions and Implications

People Involved

The Commander in Chief has directed the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable for their actions. This marks a significant escalation of military operations in the Middle East, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian government has been criticized for its aggressive actions in the region, which have resulted in disruptions to commercial shipping and put the lives of civilian mariners at risk.

The ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has significant implications for global trade. The strait is a critical waterway for oil and LNG shipments, and any disruption to traffic can have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. The U.S. and its allies have called for Iran to respect the rules of navigation and refrain from any actions that could put civilian mariners at risk.

What Happens Next

The U.S. Central Command has emphasized the precision of its munitions and the effectiveness of its efforts to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for violating ceasefires and undermining international commerce. The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz remains a complex and dynamic situation, with various actors involved and multiple interests at stake. The international community is closely watching the developments and urging all parties to exercise restraint and respect the rules of navigation.

Official Statements

Official Links

The U.S. Central Command has announced the strikes through its official social media channels and website. The public can access additional information and statements on the CENTCOM website or through official releases on DVIDS. For those looking to follow the latest developments, the CENTCOM X post can be found on Twitter, where it has garnered substantial engagement.

Video Footage

Commercial Links

The commercial implications of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz are significant, affecting oil and LNG shipments that pass through the waterway. The U.S. and its allies have urged Iran to respect the rules of navigation and refrain from any actions that could put civilian mariners at risk.

Regional Links

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has regional implications, with various countries and actors involved. The U.S. and its allies have called for restraint and respect for the rules of navigation, while Iran has been criticized for its aggressive actions in the region.