WASHINGTON: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced the completion of a third round of military strikes against Iran this week, saying the operations targeted key military infrastructure in what it described as an effort to reduce Tehran’s capability to threaten maritime security in the region.
CENTCOM said US forces carried out precision strikes on approximately 140 Iranian military targets during the latest phase of the operation. The attacks were conducted using land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.
The targets included Iranian missile and drone launch sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance positions.
CENTCOM said the strikes were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities linked to operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military further stated that, over the course of three consecutive nights of operations this week, American forces struck more than 300 military targets.
It said the strikes were carried out under the direction of the Commander in Chief with the objective of degrading Iran’s ability to conduct attacks against civilian mariners and commercial vessels navigating the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM focused on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the waterway, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes for global energy supplies.
The command claimed that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has continued despite heightened regional tensions.
Meanwhile, US forces have helped facilitate the safe passage of more than 800 commercial vessels through the strait. CENTCOM also said that these shipments included approximately 400 million barrels of crude oil, highlighting the strategic significance of uninterrupted maritime trade in the region.
The latest announcement comes amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran, with concerns growing over regional stability and the security of international shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical transit route for global oil exports, making any disruption a matter of international concern.
Iran had not immediately issued an official response to CENTCOM’s latest claims at the time of filing this report. Independent verification of the reported number of targets struck and the extent of the damage was also not immediately available.
The situation continues to be closely monitored as international attention remains focused on developments in the Gulf region and their potential impact on regional security and global energy markets.
