US Orders New Strikes on Iranian Regime Sites
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would carry out additional attacks on Iranian military facilities in retaliation for recent assaults on civilian‑manned merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Timing and Scope of the Operation
The strikes, carried out by U.S. Central Command, began at 4:45 p.m. Eastern time and concluded at 10:15 p.m., a span of five and a half hours. CENTCOM said the operation targeted coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and other maritime capabilities across several locations, including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas.
Force Posture and Objectives
More than 50,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in the Middle East, and American forces remain on high alert, described as lethal and ready by CENTCOM.
Iranian Response and Regional Impacts
IRGC Counter‑Attacks
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps answered the U.S. moves by striking Bahrain, Jordan and three tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Effect on Shipping and Personnel
Two of the tankers, the Mombasa and the Al Bahiyah, bound for the United Arab Emirates, briefly caught fire. The Emirati defense ministry reported one sailor killed and eight injured.
Defensive Actions in Bahrain and Jordan
Bahrain’s air defenses intercepted a series of Iranian airstrikes, which officials said violated international humanitarian law. Jordan’s military reported shooting down four missiles that entered its airspace early Tuesday, with no casualties.
Trump’s Statements and Future Plans
Targeting Pickaxe Mountain
In an interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump said the underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain remains “a possible target for a nice, big, fat shot right in the front door,” adding that Iran lacks a functional air force or navy.
Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Trump announced that the United States will reimpose a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, effective at 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday. The measure will impose a 20 % surcharge on all cargo, plus additional security costs, and will be enforced as the “Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Historical Context of the Blockade
The current blockade follows an earlier implementation from April 13 to June 18, during which CENTCOM diverted over 140 compliant ships, disabled nine non‑compliant vessels, and permitted more than 50 merchant ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass.
Additional Strikes and Diplomatic Remarks
The U.S. military has conducted four rounds of strikes against Iran in response to the July 7 attacks on merchant ships. Trump also told the Salem News Channel that a June 17 memorandum of understanding with Tehran was merely a test and held little legal weight.
