US intercepts six ships, strikes Iran for ninth night
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The US military intercepted six commercial vessels since resuming a naval blockade of Iran on July 14, CENTCOM said. The operations involve over 20 warships and hundreds of combat aircraft. Oil prices surged over 3% as Brent crude topped $90 a barrel.
The Interceptions
CENTCOM reported that US forces intercepted six merchant vessels heading to or from adversary ports since the blockade began on July 14. The operation involves over 20 naval vessels and hundreds of aircraft, according to the command. The New York Times noted that additional fighter jets were deployed from bases in Germany and the UK, though their basing locations remain unclear.
Airstrikes and Targets
For the ninth consecutive night, US forces struck Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance sites, missile and drone launch positions, and communication facilities, CENTCOM said. The stated goal is to reduce Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House blamed Iran for attacks on merchant vessels and vowed to deny Tehran the capability to strike commercial shipping.
Iranian Response and Oil Impact
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain a high-risk zone as long as US strikes continue. Oil prices reacted sharply, with Brent crude futures for September rising over 3% to exceed $90 a barrel, the highest since June 11, according to Orda.kz.
What's Next
The US is expected to continue its naval blockade and airstrikes in the coming days. It remains unclear whether Iran will retaliate directly or through proxies, and whether the Strait of Hormuz will be disrupted further.
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US intercepts six ships, strikes Iran for ninth night
