The United States continued its military strikes against Iran for the third consecutive night. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest wave of attacks targeted Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and other military installations along the coast.
US President Donald Trump ordered the continuation of the attacks. Washington justifies the military action with the Iranian attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM , the approximately five-hour operation was completed on Monday evening at 10:15 PM US Eastern Time. Targets attacked included Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Jask, Konarak, Chabahar, and the strategically important island of Abu Musa.
At 4:45 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command began launching the third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, at the Commander in Chief’s direction. These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026
The US military stated that the attacks targeted Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime military capabilities. Further details regarding the extent of the damage were not immediately released.
CENTCOM also stated that more than 50,000 US troops are currently deployed in the Middle East. The forces are ready for deployment and will continue their operations as long as necessary.
Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea… pic.twitter.com/bOM2kmgRxz
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 13, 2026
In recent days, the United States had already conducted several large-scale waves of attacks against Iranian military targets. According to CENTCOM, around 90 targets were attacked on July 8 , including air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, missile and drone sites, and military infrastructure. The day before, according to US sources, approximately 80 other targets had been bombed, including more than 60 speedboats belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Parallel to the ongoing military strikes, Trump intensified his rhetoric against the Iranian nuclear program. In an interview with American radio host Hugh Hewitt, he announced that the US would attack the underground facility “Pickaxe Mountain.”
“We will take out Pickaxe Mountain. Tell the Iranians to be ready,” Trump said. He described the facility as a possible target for a massive American attack.
Pickaxe Mountain is located near the Iranian Natanz nuclear complex . Western experts believe it is a facility deep inside the mountain, whose exact purpose and current operational status are not publicly known. Due to its location, it is considered difficult to attack.
Trump also announced plans to further increase military pressure on Iran. At the same time, he stated that the United States would once again control security in the Strait of Hormuz and impose a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
According to CENTCOM, this measure is scheduled to be reinstated on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. A previous blockade was in effect between April 13 and June 18. During that period, according to the US military, more than 140 ships were rerouted, nine ships were disabled, and more than 50 humanitarian aid shipments were allowed to pass through.
The latest attacks underscore the ongoing escalation between Washington and Tehran. While the United States continues its military strikes against Iranian facilities, Trump’s threat against “Pickaxe Mountain” has once again brought the Iranian nuclear program to the forefront of the dispute.
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
