US says it launched new strikes to degrade Tehran’s military capabilities

U.S. forces launched a new round of strikes against Iran on Monday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The strikes began at 4 p.m. EDT, or 2000 GMT, and were "designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said.

The statement came as the United States continued to carry out airstrikes against Iran, with the attacks largely focused on southern Iran.

Tehran has retaliated with strikes targeting facilities and bases in several regional countries that it says are used by the U.S. military.

The latest exchange of fire between the two countries comes despite a Pakistani-brokered framework agreement signed in June to end the war and reach a lasting peace deal.

Air defenses reported near Bushehr nuclear plant

Air defense systems were heard operating near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran, according to the semi-official Mehr News Agency.

No further details were immediately available.

This screen grab taken on July 15, 2026, from video footage released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)'s Sepah News website on July 14, 2026, allegedly shows a drone being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on July 15 the Hormuz strait would remain closed until the United States ends its "acts of aggression" while warning that other regional oil export routes could also become targets. The Guards said they carried out attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait following American strikes on Iranian territory, according to statements by Iranian state television IRIB. (Photo by SEPAHNEWS.COM / AFP) / - Israel OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SEPAHNEWS" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO RESALE - NO ACCESS ISRAEL MEDIA/PERSIAN LANGUAGE TV STATIONS OUTSIDE IRAN/ STRICTLY NO ACCESS BBC PERSIAN/ VOA PERSIAN/ MANOTO-1 TV/ IRAN INTERNATIONAL/RADIO FARDA - AFP IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIGITAL ALTERATIONS TO THE PICTURE'S EDITORIAL CONTENT /

Trump warns Iran over US troop deaths

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran would pay "many times over" for any American troops killed amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

"Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He said the directive had been passed on to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Daniel Caine and "every Leader in the Military."

The Pentagon confirmed three U.S. deaths over the weekend, including two at a military base in Jordan and one in northern Iraq.

More to Read

Pentagon hid dozens of US troop injuries from Iran strikes: Report

Region 1 min read

Iran hit US base in Jordan with 3 missiles in 24 hours, killing 2 troops: Report

Region 1 min read

Trump says Iran will pay 'many times over' for US troop deaths

Region 1 min read

The United States and Iran have considered a 10-day ceasefire to halt hostilities and encourage a return to negotiations, CNN reported.

The proposed pause in fighting would also include lifting restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

The White House said diplomacy was continuing alongside efforts to make Iran "pay" for the recent deaths of U.S. soldiers.

"Right now, President Trump is focused on making Iran pay for their violations of the MOU and their continued acts of terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz," a U.S. official said, referring to the memorandum of understanding.

"In addition, the president will make Iran pay for the recent deaths of U.S. soldiers," the official said. "These devastating blows will continue until the president deems otherwise, but talks between our countries are continuing."

July 21, 2026 12:16 AM GMT+03:00