The United States military completed its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets on July 23, according to U.S. Central Command. The strikes come as a separate ceasefire between Israel and Iran continues to hold, with no reports of direct military action between the two countries.
U.S. forces disabled the tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the ship attempted to run the blockade at least four times, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, U.S. Central Command spokesman. The Iranian Health Ministry has reported that 3,434 people have been killed since the war began.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a near-standstill, with only one vessel, the New Giant tanker, making a full transit on July 23. Brent crude oil briefly exceeded $100 per barrel on July 23 before settling to around $97 the following day.
The Israel-Iran ceasefire, which has held since mid-2026, continues despite the broader conflict. No qualifying military strikes between Israel and Iran have been reported, but the escalating U.S. campaign against Iran increases regional instability. President Trump has threatened a massive attack on Iran, further raising the stakes for the ceasefire's survival through the end of July.
