US says third wave of strikes hits 140 Iranian military targets

Published 12 Jul, 2026 09:31am 1 min read
Smoke rises following an attack in Tehran, Iran. -- Reuters file
Smoke rises following an attack in Tehran, Iran. -- Reuters file

The US military said it carried out a third round of strikes against Iran, targeting approximately 140 military sites in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on Sunday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces used precision-guided munitions launched from land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels to hit a range of Iranian military assets.

According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted missile and drone sites, naval assets, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance locations, with the aim of degrading Iran’s ability to threaten civilian shipping and maritime security in the strategic waterway.

The latest operation brings the total number of Iranian military targets struck by US forces over the past three nights to more than 300, the command said.

Despite the escalation, CENTCOM said commercial shipping continues to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

The command added that US forces have helped ensure the safe passage of more than 800 commercial vessels carrying around 400 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since early May.

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