21 July,2026 09:58 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
According to the command, US forces have played a role in supporting maritime security in the area. Pic/AFP
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out another round of military strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure that it claimed was linked to threats against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest operation comes as tensions in the Middle East remain high and the US warned that its forces are prepared to take further action if required.
The strikes were announced by CENTCOM in a statement posted on X, while the US Department of State simultaneously issued a worldwide security advisory urging American citizens to remain vigilant due to the volatile regional situation.
According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes were conducted at 9 p.m. ET on July 20 and targeted Iranian military command centres, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, as well as air defence systems.
In its statement, CENTCOM said the objective was to reduce Iran's ability to carry out attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically significant maritime routes for global energy supplies.
"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed another round of strikes against Iran at 9 p.m. ET, July 20. US forces struck Iranian military command centres, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems to degrade Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial vessels flowing through the Strait of Hormuz."
CENTCOM said commercial shipping has continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened regional tensions.
According to the command, US forces have played a role in supporting maritime security in the area.
"Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil."
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest maritime corridors and serves as a key route for global oil exports. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and global trade.
CENTCOM said US forces remain ready to conduct additional operations if necessary, accusing Iran of carrying out attacks against civilian shipping in the region.
The command stated that the strikes were intended to weaken military capabilities that it believes have been used to threaten commercial maritime traffic.
Iran has previously denied involvement in several attacks on commercial vessels in the region, and its response to the latest US strikes had not been detailed at the time of writing.
Separately, the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a worldwide caution for American citizens, citing the increasingly uncertain security environment resulting from heightened tensions in the Middle East.
"Worldwide Caution: Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation."
The advisory urged Americans in the region to remain alert and prepare for possible disruptions.
"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions. Please monitor embassy and consular security alerts, local authorities, and the news for breaking developments."
The State Department also cautioned that US diplomatic missions and American interests abroad could face security risks.
"U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world," the department said.
(With inputs from IANS)
