SRINAGAR: The United States has resumed a naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas while launching a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian military targets linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the region.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 15, 2026
ccording to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces resumed the blockade at 4 pm ET on Tuesday, hours after beginning another round of strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities used to target commercial vessels in the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM said more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently operating across the Middle East, adding that American forces remain “vigilant, lethal and ready.”
The latest operation marks the fourth consecutive day of US strikes against Iran, amid growing concerns that renewed hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz could undermine an interim ceasefire agreement and trigger a broader regional conflict.
Earlier, CENTCOM announced that US forces had begun additional strikes at 3 pm ET, stating that the attacks were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several parts of the country. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported strikes near Bandar Abbas and Sirik in Hormozgan province, while explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island, in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, and in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas
CENTCOM said the strikes would continue to impose “a heavy cost” on Iranian forces and further weaken their capacity to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
