Military Escalation: US Restarts Daytime Offensive Against Iran

Published on July 15, 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, confirmed that on July 15, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. EST, they began launching a new wave of attacks against Iranian territory. According to military sources, the objective is to 'further degrade the military capabilities that Iranian forces have used to attack commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz'.

The Collapse of the Truce and the Naval Blockade

This new offensive occurs after the de facto collapse of the truce signed on June 17, 2026. The US had imposed a naval blockade in April, which was lifted last month following a provisional agreement. However, tensions over maritime traffic control led Washington to reimpose the blockade this week. US President Donald Trump announced a 20% toll on ships crossing the strait, though he later backed down at the request of Persian Gulf allies.

Nighttime Attacks and Iranian Retaliation

The daytime offensive follows a seven-hour nighttime bombing raid that, according to Iranian officials cited by Infobae, left more than 200 casualties among their troops. One of the impacts hit a barracks of the 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan, killing at least seven soldiers and leaving more than 260 wounded.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East. Additionally, Tehran claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Jordan reported shooting down three missiles, while Bahrain and Kuwait issued security alerts.

Trump's Warning and Oil Market Impact

The energy market is reacting cautiously amid uncertainty. The price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, is trading above $85, more than 15% above pre-conflict levels, though still far from the nearly $120 peak. Hopes for a peaceful resolution keep the markets from spiraling further.

Context: What is the Strait of Hormuz?

To understand the magnitude of this conflict, it is key to grasp the importance of the Strait of Hormuz. It is a narrow maritime passage between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Through its waters circulates, in times of peace, approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas. Reopening it by force would require, according to analysts, a much larger fleet and possibly tens of thousands of ground troops. The international community remains hopeful that diplomatic channels can secure this vital trade route.

Sources and Statements

• According to Infobae, the offensive seeks to prevent new attacks on commercial ships.
• The Spanish newspaper El País confirmed the details of the CENTCOM statement.