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Middle East News Updated Jul 24, 2026

US Launches 13th Night of Strikes on Iran; Trump Vows to Use Frozen Funds for Damages

The United States has launched its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military targets, according to CENTCOM. The strikes aim to diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping. President Trump announced that any damages to ships or cargo will be paid from Iranian funds held by the US. Trump reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, claiming the US is "doing extremely well" in the ongoing conflict.

US forces launch 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran: CENTCOM

Florida, July 24

The United States Central Command announced on Thursday that it conducted a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian military targets. This marks the 13th consecutive night of strikes by Washington against Tehran.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said that the strikes come to "diminish threats" from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping.

"U.S. forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET today. This is the 13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping," CENTCOM said.

Also earlier, CENTCOM claimed that since resuming the naval blockade against Iran nine days ago, it has redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled 1 to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas.

The recent strikes come shortly after President Trump in a post on Truth Social hours ago had said that any damages done to ships and cargo will be paid by the Iranian money in possession and control of Washington--calling it a "fair and equitable" step.

"Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls. These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he said on Truth Social.

Meanwhile earlier on Thursday, he reiterated the stance that Tehran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons and that Washington is doing "extremely well" as the conflict continues between the two adversaries.

The US President said, "We're doing very well against the Islamic Republic of Iran--we're doing extremely well. They would like to do something, but I say they're not ready yet. They need more of the same. They've got some evil intentions. We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said that Iran cannot be allowed to even consider acquiring nuclear weapons.

He added, "We cannot let them even think about having nuclear weapons and that is exactly what is happening. They will never have a nuclear weapon... This should've been done by other American Presidents or other countries. It didn't have to be us but if we don't do it nobody else will, but I will and nobody else has the capability to do it."

— ANI

Reader Comments

Michael C

Trump says Iran can't have nukes, but endless bombing? This seems like a recipe for more chaos, not peace. India knows the cost of conflict firsthand; we should urge restraint from both sides.

Priya S

As an Indian, I'm worried about the ripple effects on the Gulf—our diaspora there and oil imports. The US has the right to defend itself, but 13 nights of strikes feels like overkill. Diplomacy, anyone? 🙏

Rohit P

Interesting how Trump justifies using Iranian money to pay for damages—sounds like a new kind of economic warfare. India should stay neutral but ready for any spillover in the Indian Ocean region.

Sarah B

I'm not convinced this approach will work. Blockading ports and bombing for 13 days only inflames tensions. India's foreign policy of non-alignment looks wise right now. Let's hope this doesn't escalate into a wider war.

Arjun K

The US says it's doing 'extremely well'—but 13 nights of strikes sounds like a stalemate, not victory. Indian military analysts should study this to see if it's a model for anything. Personally, I think it's a dangerous path.

N Nikhil C Respectfully, We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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