Washington expands its strikes against Iran... unprecedented targeting of air defenses and a decisive message on the Strait of Hormuz

The United States has escalated its military operations against Iran after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a new wave of precision strikes targeting dozens of military sites across various areas, as part of a campaign aimed, according to Washington, at reducing Iranian capabilities used to threaten international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the strikes, carried out on July 12, for the first time included Iranian air defense systems, along with coastal radar sites, missile platforms, drone launch bases, and fast attack boats, in a move that reflects the widening scope of US military operations.

Fighter jets, warships, and offensive aerial and naval drones took part in the attacks in a coordinated operation that used precision munitions to target Iranian military infrastructure linked to threats against maritime traffic.

The US command stressed that its forces deployed in the region remain at the highest level of readiness to ensure the security of commercial vessels and freedom of passage in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of continuing what it described as "unprovoked attacks" and acts of intimidation against international ships.

Washington emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway not subject to Iranian control, affirming that global trade passing through it will remain open and protected.

These developments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran following a series of confrontations that included the targeting of commercial ships and the imposition of restrictions on some transit routes in the strait, while Washington insists that maritime traffic will continue under the protection of its naval forces.