US Completes 12th Straight Night of Strikes on Iran, Says CENTCOM
The United States has carried out another round of military strikes against Iran, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the latest operation marked the 12th consecutive night of attacks targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The strikes come amid a sharp escalation in hostilities following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran, while Iranian state media has reported casualties and damage in several provinces.
CENTCOM says strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday (local time) that it had completed another round of strikes against Iranian military targets.
In a statement, CENTCOM said, "At 10:30 p.m. ET on July 22, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed another round of strikes against Iran for the 12th consecutive night."
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It added, "U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets. The strikes further degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels."
According to CENTCOM, US forces have struck dozens of Iranian military sites on land this month while resuming a naval blockade against Iran following the collapse of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU), which had been signed last month by both sides.
The command also said, "As of today, CENTCOM has redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled one to prevent ships from entering or departing Iranian ports."
CENTCOM added that more than 50,000 American service members are operating across the Middle East and remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."
Earlier, CENTCOM had announced on X that additional strikes had begun under presidential orders.
It said, "At 5:30 p.m. ET today, U.S. forces began launching more strikes against Iranian military targets at the Commander in Chief's direction. The mission will continue to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters."
Iran reports deaths and damage after US strikes
Iranian state media reported casualties and damage in multiple parts of the country following the latest wave of US missile strikes.
According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the Deputy Governor of Khuzestan said two people were killed and 11 others were injured in a missile attack on the Shalamcheh border area.
Iranian officials also reported that a location near Andimeshk was struck, while additional attacks were reported around Ahvaz, Ramshir and the Shalamcheh passenger terminal. Authorities further said that a site in Bushehr province was hit by a missile strike, while explosions were also heard in Sirik County.
MoU collapse fuels renewed US-Iran confrontation
The latest military exchanges come after the collapse of the 14-point MoU signed last month between the United States and Iran. The agreement had been intended to halt hostilities and create a pathway for further negotiations, particularly over Iran's nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz.
Its breakdown has triggered renewed conflict across West Asia, with the United States carrying out strikes on Iranian military and civilian assets, while Iran has responded with retaliatory attacks targeting American bases across the Gulf.
(With inputs from ANI)