US Ends Seven Days of Strikes on Iran, Says Key Military Sites Were Devastated

US Central Command said it had successfully concluded seven consecutive days of intensive military strikes on Iran. Alongside the air campaign, the US military also fully enforced a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, escalating pressure to its highest level.

Central Command said on July 17 that US forces ended the seven-night air operation against Iran at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

The operation was aimed at fundamentally crippling Iran’s ability to conduct military operations. The US military said it carried out precision strikes on key surveillance bases, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons depots and naval maneuvering capabilities, inflicting heavy damage. Advanced fighter jets, armed drones and major strategic assets, including guided-missile destroyers deployed at sea, were mobilized for the campaign.

Military control at sea has continued after the airstrikes ended. US forces are still enforcing a strict maritime blockade that blocks all routes in and out of Iranian ports. In the first three days after the blockade resumed, Central Command diverted four merchant vessels, disabled one ship and boarded and inspected another. It said tight surveillance remains in place to ensure full sanctions enforcement.

More than 50,000 US troops are currently deployed across the Middle East for possible contingencies. Central Command said all forces remain at the highest level of alert and are prepared to deliver immediate lethal strikes.