US Launches Third Night of Strikes on Iran Amid Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command announced overnight between July 13 and 14 that it had begun a third consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iran. Explosions were reported in multiple southern Iranian locations, including Bandar Abbas on the coast, Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, Abu Musa and Qeshm islands in the Strait of Hormuz, and Jam district near Bushehr. Iranian state media cited local officials confirming a missile strike west of Bandar Abbas, with no casualties reported.

US President Donald Trump stated from the White House that the strikes aim to degrade Iran's offensive capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz and to impose a heavy cost on Iranian forces threatening civilians and commercial shipping. Trump also expressed a desire for financial compensation from Gulf states that the US protects in the strategic waterway.

Earlier, Trump had warned in a conservative radio interview that the US would strike Iran strongly after Tehran failed to honor a memorandum of understanding. He also threatened to target the secret nuclear site at Mount Pikaak near Natanz, citing extensive surveillance and suspicious activity detected by satellite imagery. Trump claimed Iran's nuclear program was in poor condition and that the US was actively disrupting it.

Regarding relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said they get along well despite occasional disagreements. He criticized Iran for breaking agreements and warned that if Iran ever acquired nuclear weapons, it would use them quickly. The secret nuclear site near Natanz has been under US and international scrutiny for years, with satellite images showing deep underground construction possibly beyond the reach of US bunker-buster bombs.

The ongoing strikes and US rhetoric underscore escalating tensions in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments. The US aims to deter Iran from attacking civilian targets and commercial vessels while signaling readiness to escalate if necessary.