US military launches third night of strikes against Iran

US military launches third night of strikes against Iran

The U.S. Military has begun a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, according to U.S. Central Command. The operation, which started at 4:45 p.m. ET today, was ordered by the Commander in Chief.

U.S. Central Command stated via X that the strikes are intended to degrade the ability of Iranian forces to attack commercial shipping and innocent civilians in the Strait of Hormuz, while imposing a heavy cost on those forces.

President Donald Trump told reporters that the U.S. Is conducting another very major attack tonight and intends to eliminate all Iranian capabilities related to the Hormuz Strait. He suggested that the U.S. Will eventually control the entire area.

The president also announced on Truth Social the reinstatement of THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, which he specified stops only Iranian ships or customers from entering or leaving the strait, while other countries maintain fair and open use. Trump further stated that the U.S. Will act as THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT and will be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all shipped cargo to cover the costs of providing security.

The escalation follows a weekend of hostilities. The United Arab Emirates government condemned Iranian cruise missile attacks on two oil tankers, the Al Bahia and the Mombasa, in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry reported that the attacks occurred in Omani territorial waters, resulting in the death of one Indian national and injuries to eight others, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.

In response, Iran’s hard-line Student News Network reported that the Iranian army targeted U.S. Military facilities in Kuwait and that its navy fired cruise missiles at a hostile American enemy vessel.

National Security and Internal Affairs

While the military campaign unfolds, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on X the creation of a joint task force between the Justice and Defense departments to prosecute leakers of sensitive national defense information. Hegseth stated that U.S. Security cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines.

This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press. In April, Trump threatened to jail journalists over reports of a missing airman in Iran. On Friday, the administration subpoenaed New York Times journalists regarding security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One, a plane donated by Qatar.

Separately, President Trump announced via Truth Social that he will deliver a speech to the nation at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, though the specific topic has not been disclosed.

South Carolina Senate Vacancy

The military strikes occur as South Carolina grapples with the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday night at age 71. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., told reporters that Graham’s former scheduler, Taylor Stephens, called 911 after Graham reported experiencing chest pains while Stephens and another staffer were at a downtown restaurant.

To fill the vacancy, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator's sister. The appointment followed a recommendation from President Trump. Nordone, a graduate of the College of Charleston with a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Nordone will be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate, serving until the term expires in early January. During a news conference in Columbia, Nordone said,

"I want to thank the governor for selecting me to serve the remainder of Lindsey’s term. It is such an honor. Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him."

Darline Graham Nordone, interim Senator, via news conference

The appointment precedes a competitive special election process. A special Republican primary Aug. 11 for Graham's permanent replacement.

Several figures have expressed interest in the seat. Businessman Mark Lynch, who previously lost in the Senate GOP primary, confirmed via spokesperson Liam Ford that he will run in the August primary and is putting $5 million into his campaign. Former governor Mark Sanford said he is mulling a potential run.

Other Administration Actions

On other domestic fronts, President Trump issued proclamations under the Antiquities Act to reduce the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by about 90% each. This move opens lands containing coal and uranium deposits for development, undoing protections previously restored by President Joe Biden.

Additionally, a federal judge in Florida, Kathleen Williams, sanctioned individuals involved in Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, finding the suit was brought in bad faith to manipulate the judicial process rather than to vindicate rights.