The United States intensified its military campaign against Iran on July 17 (local time), with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming a sixth consecutive night of strikes. At 2 p.m. ET (July 16), U.S. forces launched a new wave of attacks using fighter jets, aerial drones and warships, targeting dozens of Iranian military sites, including coastal surveillance and air defense positions, military logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities.
At 9:40 p.m. ET, CENTCOM said the latest strikes had concluded. The command said the operations were carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities and hold Tehran accountable for recent attacks on commercial shipping. More than 50,000 U.S. service members remain deployed across the Middle East.
CENTCOM also said U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a verification boarding of the M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman on July 16. The U.S. military added that three commercial vessels attempting to breach the naval blockade were redirected, one non-compliant vessel was disabled, and another was boarded to ensure compliance. The U.S. said the Strait of Hormuz remains open except for vessels attempting to violate the blockade.
President Trump said the United States would soon see the results of its victory in Iran and stated that the U.S. has the world’s most powerful military and holds the upper hand over Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media reported multiple U.S. strikes across the country, including attacks on roads and bridges in the Bandahamir area that reportedly killed seven people and wounded nine. Iranian outlets also reported strikes on military bases in the Bushehr region, Bandar Abbas, bridges in Hormozgan province, airports, rail infrastructure and residential areas, with casualties and damage reported at several locations.
The conflict also expanded across the region. Iran’s military said it carried out drone strikes against U.S. facilities at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base, while Iran’s Fars news agency, citing Arab sources, reported an explosion at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Meanwhile, House Republicans advanced a $95 billion budget resolution requested by President Trump to fund the Iran war, agricultural aid and election-rule changes, clearing the measure for a possible full House vote next week.
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