U.S. reimposes naval blockade against ships transiting to or from Iranian ports

CENTOM noted that the blockade came into effect at 4:00 p.m. ET on July 15, adding that U.S. forces had struck dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas.

“U.S. fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems during the seven-hour wave to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews,” the statement read.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan on the evening of July 14. Tehran stated that the attacks were in response to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.

In retaliation, the U.S. carried out strikes against Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, damaging a power plant.

U.S. strikes on Iran

U.S. forces carried out a major strike on Iranian military facilities on July 5, hitting more than 140 targets. The operation followed an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on a Cyprus-flagged commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. aircraft primarily targeted air defense positions, ammunition depots, radars and communications hubs of the Iranian military.

U.S. Central Command completed a second major wave of airstrikes on southern Iran on July 8, including the port cities of Chabahar and Bushehr. The strikes followed new Iranian drone attacks on three commercial tankers. U.S. forces destroyed anti-ship missile launchers, coastal radar stations and IRGC command centers responsible for attacks in the strait.

Iran announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping after another incident involving a civilian vessel, saying the restrictions would remain in place until further notice, it was reported July 12. Tehran also threatened new strikes on U.S. military bases in the event of further escalation by Washington.

The Trump administration is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, Axios previously reported.

Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remotely signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18. Under the agreement, the United States allowed Iran to export oil and lifted sanctions, while Tehran pledged to ensure stable shipping between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman within 30 days. U.S. Central Command said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had been fully lifted later on June 18.