The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it completed a new round of airstrikes against Iran. In the operation carried out on Wednesday evening, July 8, approximately 90 military targets were struck.
The targets struck included Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, missile and drone depots, naval assets, and military logistics infrastructure. CENTCOM stated that these strikes aimed to further degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement also emphasized that the U.S. holds Iran responsible for the recent attacks on commercial shipping.
Statements from the US and Ceasefire Status
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously said that the memorandum of understanding signed to end the war with Iran had "ended" and that the U.S. would "probably" strike again.
U.S. officials speaking to CNN and Axios, however, said the current ceasefire has at least temporarily halted. According to the officials, the escalation could last from a few days to a month, depending on whether Iran continues to attack commercial ships. One official said, "We will continue bombing," adding that the escalation was linked to frustration among some leaders in Iran that the agreement with the U.S. had not provided any real benefit.
Explosion Reported in Iran
Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported that an explosion occurred in the southern city of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday evening.
CENTCOM had previously announced that U.S. forces launched new strikes on Iran to reduce the threat to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
