The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has carried out a “new wave of offensive strikes against Iran” over the past 24 hours, according to a statement released on the morning of 13 July.
According to the statement, the US military struck “dozens of targets in several locations with precision-guided munitions to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz”.
“For the first time, CENTCOM forces struck Iranian military air defence systems, coastal radar installations, missile and unmanned capabilities, as well as small vessels, using US fighter jets, naval vessels, strike drones and unmanned surface vehicles,” the statement said.
The US military points out that the Strait of Hormuz “is a vital maritime corridor for global trade” and that “Iran does not control it”.
The resumption of attacks and recent statements by the parties have once again cast doubt on the viability of the ceasefire and the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US and Iran in mid-June.