The United States launched another wave of attacks on Iran on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, striking what it described as military targets along Iran's southern coast and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The operation, overseen by US Central Command (CENTCOM), lasted seven hours and concluded at 10pm EDT (02:00 GMT Wednesday), involving fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels that hit dozens of military targets in the region.

These strikes coincided with Washington's resumption of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, contributing to a rise in global oil prices amid fears of energy supply disruptions.

From Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi reported "another night of escalation," noting that a bottled water facility in Dehloran, western Ilam province, was reportedly hit. Iranian sources also claimed that projectiles struck soldiers’ accommodation at a military base in Bampur, southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s military stated that its air defenses intercepted and shot down three Iranian ballistic missiles that entered its airspace early Wednesday.

This latest exchange of attacks comes less than a month after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding extending an April ceasefire and outlining plans for talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, following Israeli and US strikes on Iran.

Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna highlighted the significant US naval presence in the Gulf, with CENTCOM confirming approximately 21 US naval vessels deployed in the region.

Sources