US Says It Struck 140 Iranian Military Targets in Third Phase of Operations
WASHINGTON:The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed that it targeted nearly 140 Iranian military sites during the third phase of its operations over the past three days, describing the strikes as a response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation involved advanced precision-guided weapons launched from fighter aircraft, drones, naval vessels, and ground-based platforms.
According to the US military, the strikes targeted Iran’s missile and drone facilities, naval assets, weapons depots, communications centers, and coastal surveillance systems.
CENTCOM said that more than 300 targets have been struck over the course of the three-night campaign. The stated objective of the operation is to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The command also asserted that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues despite heightened tensions and that global energy supplies have not been completely disrupted.
According to CENTCOM, US forces have assisted in the safe transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and nearly 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of May this year.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Continued military escalation in the region could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, oil prices, and international trade.
Iran has not yet issued an official response to the latest US claims, while tensions across the region remain high. The international community continues to call for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
