The United States carried out a fourth round of nighttime military strikes against Iran in less than a week, according to ShippingWatch, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM). The latest wave began at 11 p.m. Sunday evening Central European Time and continued into Monday, with CENTCOM stating the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s capacity to threaten merchant vessels and civilian sailors transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Targets and Scope of the Strikes
According to CENTCOM’s statement on social media platform X, forces struck Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats. The command said the operation marked the first use of one-way combat drones at sea, deployed alongside US fighter jets, naval vessels, and airborne combat drones.
CENTCOM said the strikes were ordered by the US commander-in-chief “to hold Iranian forces accountable.” The command has repeatedly justified the campaign by pointing to actions by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it says has targeted ships along the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
Reported Casualties and Locations
Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple locations on Sunday evening, including the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask, as well as the island of Qeshm, all situated near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Reuters. The state-run news agency IRNA, citing Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor of Khuzestan Province, reported one death and four injuries in the southwestern part of the country. It remains unclear whether any of the casualties were civilians.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian state media had also reported US strikes on Qeshm island, according to AFP, while US outlet Axios reported separate American strikes on targets specifically situated around the Strait of Hormuz.
Background: Collapsed Ceasefire Framework
CENTCOM stated earlier on Sunday that the first three waves of strikes this week had hit more than 300 targets across Iran. The current escalation follows comments from US President Donald Trump at a NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, where he said he no longer considers a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to be valid. That memorandum, signed in mid-June, had aimed to pave the way toward ending the conflict that began when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Since the memorandum was signed, both countries have repeatedly accused each other of ceasefire violations.
Does This Matter to You?
Continued military action around the Strait of Hormuz has direct bearing on vessel transit risk in one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil and gas trade. ShippingWatch’s related coverage notes that marine insurers have advised against sailing through the strait, and that restricted shipping traffic there has already driven up oil prices. Fewer vessels passing through the strait, combined with military activity targeting coastal radar and small boats, points to elevated operational and security risk for vessels transiting or approaching the area. The direct commercial impact on freight rates, insurance premiums, or specific trade routes is not detailed in the source material beyond the reported effect on oil prices.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM), Reuters, AFP, and Axios.
