US Deploys 50,000 Troops as Five-Hour Strikes Hit Iran
CENTCOM says more than 50,000 US troops are in the Middle East after a five-hour strike campaign hit Iranian military, missile, drone and naval targets.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on its X account that the American military presence in the Middle East has grown to more than 50,000 personnel.
CENTCOM said US forces remained alert, combat-ready and prepared for further action.
The command also announced the completion of a five-hour series of strikes against military targets across Iran. Sites in Bushehr, Shahbahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa Island and Bandar Abbas were hit during the operation.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes were intended to further reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. US forces used precision-guided munitions against Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone facilities, as well as the country’s naval capabilities.
On the night of July 14, US President Donald Trump announced several waves of major strikes against Iran and notified Congress that military operations in the region had resumed.
Tehran responded by attacking several vessels that attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without its permission.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said two Indian tankers were struck in the southern part of the strait. Iranian cruise missiles hit the vessels in Oman’s territorial waters, killing one crew member and injuring eight others.