WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The US Iran War which has kept the Middle East on edge has further intensified as the United States military carried out its 12th consecutive night of bombardments against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The relentless operation comes as Washington attempts to aggressively degrade Tehran’s military capabilities and reassert control over vital international shipping lanes, specifically the highly contested Strait of Hormuz.
Airstrikes and Border Casualties
Early on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces conducted precision strikes targeting Iranian naval capabilities, coastal surveillance posts, air defense assets, and extensive missile and drone storage facilities.
The military campaign is taking a deadly toll on the ground. Iranian state media reported that US missiles struck areas in western Iran, including near Ahvaz, Ramshir, and Andimeshk. Tragically, an American missile strike in the border town of Shalamcheh resulted in the deaths of two individuals near the passenger terminal on the Iran-Iraq border.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to an “eye for an eye” military doctrine, warning that any aggression against Iranian infrastructure will be met with a powerful and decisive response.
The Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea Escalation
The economic fallout of the conflict is massive, with the Strait of Hormuz heavily restricted. Earlier in the week, an oil tanker caught fire following an explosion on a suspected mined route south of the strait, forcing other commercial vessels to immediately turn back. US President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings, threatening to obliterate an Iranian bridge or power plant if Tehran continues to attack commercial shipping in the waterway.
Furthermore, the conflict has dangerously metastasized into the Red Sea. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers, named “Encelia” and “Layla”. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the group deployed drones and missiles against the vessels for allegedly violating their declared naval blockade.
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The Saudi Press Agency confirmed that the “Encelia” was hit while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire on its bow, though the entire crew was reported safe. As the US Iran strikes 12th night continue without a ceasefire in sight, global energy markets remain deeply destabilized.