The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it completed an additional round of strikes against Iran at 10 p.m. ET on July 14, targeting dozens of military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas. The seven-hour operation involved U.S. fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launching precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems.
CENTCOM said the strikes were aimed at further degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews. Earlier, at 3 p.m. ET on July 14, U.S. forces began launching the additional strikes as preparations were underway to resume a naval blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The U.S. said the naval blockade took effect at 4 p.m. ET on July 14 and applies to vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. CENTCOM added that U.S. forces remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to carry out operations directed by the Commander in Chief.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its actions were a response to what it called U.S. “hostile” actions. The IRGC claimed it destroyed the U.S. Fifth Fleet command in Bahrain along with fuel and equipment facilities, and said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until “the evil acts of the US end.” Iran’s military also said it carried out a second strike on U.S. facilities at the Azraq base in Jordan.
The IRGC further warned that if the United States continues attacking Iran, the region will not export “a drop of oil” or gas. It also said other oil and gas export routes serving the interests of the United States and its allies should expect to be closed.
In a Fox News interview on July 14, U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces would strike Iranian bridges and power plants next week unless Iran returns to the negotiating table. He said U.S. negotiators spoke with Iranian officials on July 14 and warned them to reach a deal or “you will cease to exist.” Trump added that military strikes would continue “until I say stop,” said Iran’s capabilities had been significantly degraded but could still retaliate, and did not rule out deploying ground troops, without providing further details.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. could eventually target Iran’s energy infrastructure, but indicated those strikes would come later. He warned that attacks would intensify over the coming nights and expand to power plants and bridges next week unless Iran agrees to negotiations.
Asked about a ground campaign, Trump said he is not ruling it out if he considers it necessary. He also suggested the U.S. could move against Kharg Island if Iranian capabilities are degraded sufficiently, while adding others could conduct ground operations.
According to Axios, Trump held a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday to discuss a broader military offensive beyond the current strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. The reported objective is to inflict enough damage to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz and accepting U.S. nuclear demands.
Axios reported the discussions included plans for major strikes on additional strategic targets across Iran, significantly expanding the scope of the ongoing military campaign.
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