U.S. armed forces have been attacking Iran since last weekend, following Iranian attacks on commercial tankers owned and operated by the United Arab Emirates.
Late evening (U.S. Eastern Time) on Wednesday 15 July, U.S. Central Command (“Centcom”; the U.S. military command that operates in the Middle Eastern region) forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, alongside targets at Bandar Abbas, an Iranian town on the Strait of Hormuz which hosts a variety of maritime facilities among others. Early that day, U.S. forces also struck defense and missile sites on Greater Tunb Island. That island is strategically valuable as it sits nearly equidistant between Iran and the United Arab Emirates in the transition zone between the Strait and the Persian Gulf. The island is administered by Iran but sovereignty is disputed by the United Arab Emirates.
On the same day, U.S. Centcom disabled an unladen tanker heading toward Kharg Island, a major oil loading facility after the U.S. re-imposed a naval blockade on 14 July.
On 14 July, U.S. fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels attacked Iranian missile and drone sites, naval facilities and coastal defense system during a seven-hour attack.
On Monday 13 July Centcom forces attacked Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities at places such as Bushehr, Chahbahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas. On Sunday, July 12, U.S. forces hit “dozens” of targets at multiple locations.
Centcom forces struck Iranian military air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats using U.S. fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones, and one-way attack sea drones for the first time. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit a naval base at the Port of Bandar Abbas, “marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations,” Centcom said.
Centcom said it was attacking Iran so as to degrade the Iranian ability to attack commercial shipping.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it. U.S. forces are postured and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,” Centcom added.
Iranian response
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp Navy of Iran released statements confirming two “supertankers” were struck by mines having proceeded through a mined passage. The IRGC added that anyone co-operating with its enemy and attempting to pass through a mined route will achieve nothing except regret, damage, delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the creation of a global energy crisis. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised the U.S. leadership as being “convenant-breaking” and “warmongering” and has rendered ineffective all elements of the deal to end the war dated June 18. “The full responsibility for the consequences and outcomes of this breach of the treaty lies with the arrogant US regime,” reads an Iranian statement on the Islamic Republic News Agency (the state-owned news agency). Earlier this week, Iran also launched a range of attacks on neighbouring countries.
United Arab Emirates
Officials from the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense issued a notice stating that the UAE national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the strait, inside Omani territorial waters. Abu Dhabi reported that the attack caused the death of an Indian seafarer, and injuries to eight others, four of which were serious. The tankers were also damaged by fires.
The UAE Ministry of Defense condemned the attack which regarded as a “serious violation and a clear breach of international law”. It added that the UAE reserves the right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures.
IMO Secretary General condemns the attacks on ships
On 08 July 2026, the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez issued the following statement: “I regret that once again I am compelled to speak out following attacks on commercial ships and innocent seafarers, due to geopolitical circumstances beyond their control. I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These reckless attacks have again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger. No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job… I call on all States concerned to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of the ships still trapped in the Gulf since the crisis began. The safety of seafarers must remain our foremost priority.”
