U.S. Military Launches Second Wave of Airstrikes on Iran on July 15, Fifth Consecutive Day of Operations

According to U.S. CENTCOM, the U.S. military launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran on Wednesday, July 15 (3 p.m. ET), the fifth consecutive day of military operations targeting Iranian military capabilities threatening the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated the strikes aimed to counter Iranian threats to freedom of navigation in the critical global shipping lane, conducted under direction from President Donald Trump.

Iran's Ministry of Health reported at least 35 deaths and 300 injuries from U.S. strikes on southern Iran over recent days. Iranian military said 13 missiles were fired, killing 7 Iranian military personnel, and vowed retaliation. Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf stated Iran "must always be ready for combat and resolutely defend national security and interests," despite previously signed ceasefire agreements with the United States.