On Sunday evening, the US military launched airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, using a variety of weapons. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage on Monday of three “Corsair” unmanned surface vessels striking the port of the Bandar Abbas Naval Base in Iran, marking the first time the US military has used unmanned surface vessels in combat.
CENTCOM stated on Monday that their forces successfully targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran using multiple one-way attack surface drones. The attack on the port of the Bandar Abbas Naval Base by the three Corsair unmanned surface vessels was aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to further attack commercial shipping.
Furthermore, CENTCOM stated that on Sunday, July 12th, the US military carried out another round of strikes against Iran, hitting dozens of targets across various locations using precision-guided weapons.
The command also mentioned that the US military employed fighter jets, navy ships, one-way attack aerial drones, and one-way attack surface drones to target Iran’s military air defense systems, coastal radar stations, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats.
In recent days, Iranian forces have been targeting commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fierce retaliation from the US military. Tammy Bruce, the US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, reiterated on Monday that “if Iran fires upon ships, we will respond with force. The US military action is a response to these threats – aimed at self-defense and protection of others.”
She went on to emphasize that as Secretary of State Rubio emphasized during his visit to the Gulf region last month, the US will continue to stand with partners in the region. “Do not misunderstand, this is not just rhetoric. This is a commitment that we are supporting with actions – and are actively supporting with actions.”