Washington, DC – US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2026, the launch of a new wave of intensive airstrikes against targets inside Iran. CENTCOM stated that the strikes began at 1:30 PM Tehran time. It emphasized that these operations are part of a strategy to “continue degrading the military capabilities” used by Iranian forces to launch repeated attacks against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rapid explosions deep inside Iran
Simultaneously with the American announcement, field reports emerged of loud explosions heard in several Iranian regions, including Shiraz. Social media users also reported hearing similar explosions in Bandar Mahshahr. In an attempt to quell speculation, the Iranian news agency Mehr claimed that the sounds heard in Shiraz were due to controlled detonations within a mine belonging to a local cement factory. It denied any connection to military operations.
Mystery surrounds the location of the “Sarbandar” missiles
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding a massive explosion that occurred at 5:26 a.m. Wednesday at the Sarbandar missile site (phase four) remain unclear. Footage circulating online minutes after the incident showed thick plumes of white smoke rising above the site. Iranian authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the nature of the explosion or the extent of the damage to the strategic military facility.
These developments on the ground come at a time of rapid escalation in the region since Tuesday morning, with ongoing US operations aimed at neutralizing Iranian threats to international shipping. This series of explosions and military strikes is placing unprecedented pressure on Iran’s military infrastructure. This is happening amid international anticipation of how the confrontations will unfold in the coming hours, especially given Washington’s reaffirmation of its determination to continue undermining Iran’s offensive capabilities to ensure the security of vital waterways.
