US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched military strikes against targets in Iran for the 11th consecutive night, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. According to a statement released by the command, the ongoing operations are aimed at degrading Iran's capacity to threaten commercial shipping routes within the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes commenced at 7 pm ET.
Reports from the Fars news agency indicate that multiple explosions occurred south of Tabriz in northwestern Iran following the announcement of the strikes. Additionally, air defense systems were activated to the east of Tehran, the nation's capital.
In a separate development, the Pentagon has confirmed that a US soldier previously reported missing after an attack on a military base is now believed to have been killed in action. Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, was identified as the service member lost during an enemy attack on July 17, 2026, at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The Department of Defense stated that the incident remains under investigation. While CENTCOM had initially listed Rampersad as missing, his status has been updated to reflect that he is now believed to be deceased.
These developments occur despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran just last month, which was intended to conclude the conflict that began in February. However, a recent surge in tensions regarding the Strait of Hormuz has led to a renewed exchange of hostilities between the two nations.
