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US Strikes Iran: CENTCOM Hits Drones, Radar in Strait of Hormuz Conflict

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
13 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:July 12, 2026Strait of HormuzPrince Hassan Air BaseAli Al Salem Air Base
Bodies:CENTCOMIRGC
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What This Article Covers

1.US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a new wave of precision strikes on Iran (July 12, 2026) targeting air-defence systems, coastal radar, missile/drone capabilities, and small boats.

2.The stated aim was to degrade Iran's ability to attack international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz – a vital global maritime corridor.

3.Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) retaliated by attacking US military bases in Jordan (Prince Hassan Air Base), Bahrain, and Kuwait (Ali Al Salem Air Base).

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The US launched precision strikes on Iranian military assets (drones, coastal radar, missiles) to protect international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards retaliated by hitting US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This is a critical event for understanding West Asia tensions, maritime security, and India's energy security concerns.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Operation LeadUS Central Command (CENTCOM)
Date of StrikesJuly 12, 2026
Key Targets (US)Air-defence systems, coastal radar, missiles, drones, small boats
Key Targets (Iran/IRGC)Prince Hassan Air Base (Jordan), US drone command centre (Bahrain), Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait)
Strategic ContextStrait of Hormuz – vital maritime corridor for global trade

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Operation Lead: US Central Command (CENTCOM)
  • ›Date of Strikes: July 12, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: Date of US strikes on Iran – July 12, 2026
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: US Central Command (CENTCOM) – responsible for Middle East operations
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Strait of Hormuz – strategic chokepoint for global oil trade

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which US military command is responsible for operations in the Middle East, including the recent strikes on Iranian assets?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the recent US strikes on Iran:

1. The US strikes targeted Iranian military air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile/drone capabilities.

2. The strikes were carried out by the US Navy alone using only naval vessels.

3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards retaliated by attacking US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, on which date did the US military carry out the latest wave of strikes on Iran?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic objective behind the US strikes on Iranian assets as stated by CENTCOM?

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