US launches second wave of strikes on Iran today; Iranian media reports explosions in Ahvaz and Chabahar

Published 15 July 2026 · world

The United States on Wednesday (July 15) launched a second wave of military strikes against Iran, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operations are

The United States on Wednesday (July 15) launched a second wave of military strikes against Iran, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operations are aimed at degrading Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, CENTCOM said the latest strikes began at 3 p.m. ET, marking the second round of operations carried out during the day. "At 3 p.m. ET, U.S. forces launched operations for a second wave of strikes today against Iran," CENTCOM said. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What triggered the recent wave of US airstrikes on Iran? ⌵ The recent wave of US airstrikes on Iran was triggered by Tehran's attacks on commercial vessels navigating the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, prompting the reimposition of a naval blockade by the US. 2 How is the US military targeting Iranian forces in its operations? ⌵ The US military is targeting Iranian forces by conducting precision strikes on military infrastructure, including coastal defense systems and missile storage sites, aimed at degrading capabilities threatening commercial shipping. 3 Why are the Strait of Hormuz and Greater Tunb Island strategically significant? ⌵ The Strait of Hormuz is significant because it is a major maritime trade route for global oil transport, while Greater Tunb Island provides a strategic military vantage point for controlling access to this crucial waterway. 4 What is Iran's response to the US military actions? ⌵ Iran has vowed a decisive response to US military actions, claiming to have targeted US interests in the Gulf and warning that energy exports from the region could be halted if the US blockade continues.

5 Should negotiations resume between the US and Iran amid escalating tensions? ⌵ Negotiations should ideally resume to prevent further escalation and address security concerns in the region; however, current tensions raise doubts about the feasibility of diplomatic engagement. "The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway vital to global commerce. The U.S. military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction." Morning strikes targeted Greater Tunb Island The afternoon offensive followed an earlier wave of attacks that concluded at 7:30 a.m. ET. According to CENTCOM, US forces conducted a 90-minute operation using precision-guided munitions against Iranian coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island, a strategically located island near the Strait of Hormuz. "The strikes further degraded Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said. Greater Tunb is one of three islands near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz that have long been viewed as strategically significant because of their proximity to one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. CENTCOM said the day's military campaign began at 6 a.m. ET, when US forces launched the first wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure. The command said the operations were specifically designed to weaken capabilities that Iran has allegedly used to target commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. "The strikes are designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said in its earlier statement.