US carries out 13th night of strikes on Iran as clash over Strait of Hormuz shipping escalates

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck targets in Iran early on Friday, July 24, 2026, for the 13th consecutive night. According to the CENTCOM statement, the strikes used US aircraft, drones and naval vessels and hit command centers, missile and drone sites, naval assets and coastal defense installations, with the stated aim of reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels in regional waters.

US President Donald Trump warned that the Houthis would face "major military punishment" if their attacks on ships continue. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one fifth of the world's oil and gas passes in peacetime, is at the center of the tension, and the continuing clashes have kept the global energy market on edge; Brent crude passed $100 a barrel this week for the first time since late May.