On the night of July 12, tensions in the Persian Gulf reached a critical point. The United States carried out its third series of military strikes on Iranian territory in a week. The targets of the operation were Tehran's military facilities, which, according to US command, pose a threat to international trade.
Scale of the Operation and Targets
US Central Command (CENTCOM) officially confirmed the attack. In a statement published on the social network X, it was reported that approximately 140 military targets on Iranian territory were hit. High-precision munitions launched from fighter jets, drones, as well as naval vessels and land bases were used to deliver the strikes.
The American side emphasizes that this action is a direct response to an Iranian attack on a merchant vessel that attempted to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz at night. Over three days of night operations this week, US forces struck more than 300 targets. The stated goal of the campaign is to weaken Iran's ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial vessels, ensuring their free passage.
Context: Protection of Trade and Oil Shipments
Commanders pointed out the importance of stability in the region for the global economy. Since the beginning of May, according to CENTCOM data, US troops have helped ensure the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. This highlights that US actions are aimed at protecting global logistics chains from destabilization.
Iran's Retaliatory Actions
Iranian media, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced retaliatory strikes. Tehran claims to have attacked a US military communications facility and radar station in Bahrain, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as well as aircraft carrier refueling platforms in the port of Duqm in Oman.
In addition to military actions, the Iranian side made a diplomatic statement. In Tehran, the US was urged to "comply with the terms of the memorandum of understanding," accusing Washington of undermining security by creating an "illegal corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Preconditions for Escalation
The immediate trigger for the third round of strikes was Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz this night. Tehran announced the blockade of shipping after a vessel attempted to pass through the strait, which the Iranian side considered to be moving along an unauthorized route. As a result, the container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, sailing under the flag of Cyprus, was attacked and stopped.
According to the latest data, one crew member of the vessel is missing as a result of the incident. The situation in the region remains extremely unstable, and the risk of further expansion of the conflict persists.
