Washington, DC – In a significant military escalation reflecting a radical shift in the rules of engagement in the region, The New York Times, citing US officials, revealed that US Central Command conducted intensive airstrikes on Tuesday and Wednesday, targeting approximately 170 military sites inside Iranian territory. Estimates indicate that the scale of this military operation is roughly 15 times greater than the attacks launched by Washington in late June. This reflects a new US strategy of responding forcefully to escalating threats.
Strike objectives: To limit offensive capabilities
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) explained the nature of the targets that were targeted. The strikes focused on advanced air defense systems, strategic warehouses for drones, and missile stores. The operations also included the destruction of vital logistical infrastructure spread along the Iranian coast. These facilities were used by Tehran to support its operations in the Gulf. American officials stressed that the primary goal of this campaign is to “systematically paralyze Iran’s ability to threaten international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” They also want to send a clear message of deterrence to the leaders of the Revolutionary Guards.
Washington refutes the Iranian narrative regarding the waterway.
In a related development, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) dealt a propaganda blow to the official Iranian narrative. It categorically denied Tehran’s claims that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is restricted to routes designated by Iranian authorities, describing them as “false claims.” CENTCOM revealed that since early May, US forces have successfully secured the passage of more than 800 commercial vessels. Furthermore, over 380 million barrels of crude oil have been transported through the strait without being subject to Iranian dictates. This demonstrates Washington’s commitment to maintaining freedom of international navigation.
Trump: “Iran’s behavior is unacceptable.”
On the political front at the White House, CBS News, citing a US official, reported that President Donald Trump has adopted a hardline stance. He has labeled Tehran’s repeated attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz as “acts of terrorism.” The same source indicated that the period of de-escalation or tacit ceasefire that had previously prevailed has effectively ended. This came as a result of Washington’s assessment of Iran’s recent behavior, which the official described as “unacceptably unsuccessful.” This opens the door to increased US military pressure in the coming period.
