Trump orders new strikes "to hold Iranian forces accountable," CENTCOM says
The United States conducted additional airstrikes against Iran on July 12, 2026, citing the need to degrade Iran's capability to attack civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes followed an Iranian attack on a Cyprus‑flagged container ship and came amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations mediated by Oman. Iran responded with projectile fire on Gulf neighboring areas, while both sides exchanged accusations over the security of maritime traffic.
- ▪U.S. Central Command reported that the new strikes were intended to hold Iranian forces accountable and to prevent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪The attacks were a retaliation for an Iranian strike on a Cyprus‑flagged container ship earlier that week.
- ▪Iranian officials claimed that projectiles were fired at military targets on Qeshm Island and that explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Hajiabad.
- ▪Diplomatic talks mediated by Oman continued despite the escalation, with both sides disputing the current flow of traffic through the strait.
- ▪President Trump had previously warned Iran of a massive missile response if the regime attempted an assassination.
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Live Live updates: Trump orders new round of strikes to "hold Iranian forces accountable," CENTCOM says as two sides exchange threats By Tucker Reals, Tucker Reals Editor Tucker Reals is CBSNews.com's foreign editor, based in the CBS News London bureau. He has worked for CBS News since 2006, prior to which he worked for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C., and London. Read Full Bio Tucker Reals, Faris Tanyos, Faris Tanyos News Editor Faris Tanyos is a news editor for CBSNews.com, where he writes and edits stories and tracks breaking news. He previously worked as a digital news producer at several local news stations up and down the West Coast.
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