TAMPA, FLORIDA July 15, 2026 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early today that American forces have begun a wave of strikes targeting Iran. The operation started at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
According to the official CENTCOM statement:
“At 6 a.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching a wave of strikes against Iran. The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.”
This marks the latest escalation in U.S. military action in the region following earlier strikes earlier this month.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically vital waterway between Iran and Oman. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as the primary maritime route for oil exports from the Middle East. Approximately 20% of global oil supply passes through this chokepoint every day.
CENTCOM stated the strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten or attack commercial vessels transiting the area.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions. Earlier in July, U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites, drone facilities, and maritime infrastructure in locations including Bushehr and Bandar Abbas after talks collapsed and following reported attacks on commercial shipping.
President Trump had previously notified Congress of resumed hostilities in the region.
As of the latest reports, no detailed information has been released regarding specific targets struck, the scale of the operation, damage assessments, or any Iranian response. Operations are described as ongoing.
CENTCOM, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, oversees U.S. military activities across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.
Oil markets are expected to react to the news, with prices already elevated in recent days due to regional instability.
Further updates are anticipated as more details emerge from the U.S. military and regional developments.
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