The United States military has executed a significant series of strikes against Iranian military installations, as confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM). This operation, which took place on July 12, targeted numerous military sites across various locations. CENTCOM stated that the aim was to diminish Iran's capacity to pose threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that facilitates a considerable portion of global energy and trade.

CENTCOM reported that the strikes were aimed at a wide array of Iranian military capabilities. The operation specifically targeted air-defense systems, coastal radar facilities, missile and drone infrastructure, as well as small military vessels operating in proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.

During this operation, US forces utilized fighter jets, naval assets, and one-way attack drones. Notably, CENTCOM revealed the deployment of one-way attack sea drones for the first time, enhancing the range of systems used against Iranian military capabilities. However, the command did not disclose the precise number of targets hit or their specific locations.

CENTCOM emphasized that the primary goal of this operation was to deter further assaults on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The command reiterated that this waterway is an international maritime corridor and asserted that Iran does not have control over it. The US military maintains a presence in the region to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, despite what CENTCOM describes as ongoing Iranian aggression and threats.

The strikes on July 12 are part of an ongoing series of US military actions aimed at Iranian capabilities, following multiple incidents involving merchant shipping in the Gulf. Previous operations have targeted coastal surveillance systems, anti-ship missile sites, logistical infrastructure, and naval assets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), after the US accused Tehran of breaching the ceasefire by attacking commercial vessels. These latest strikes indicate that the US is focused on disrupting Iran's maritime "kill chain"—the network of sensors, missile systems, command nodes, and fast-attack vessels that could threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. While CENTCOM characterized this operation as a step towards degrading these capabilities, Iranian officials have yet to respond to the strikes.