US completes 11th night of strikes on Iran, claims Hormuz remains open

The United States concluded its eleventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran on Tuesday, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that the operations targeted military operations centers, drone facilities, aircraft, maritime capabilities, and military logistics.

CENTCOM asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. This statement comes amid recent Iranian actions against over 30 vessels in the past three months. The command indicated that since early May, the U.S. has facilitated the passage of approximately 900 commercial ships and 450 million barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway.

Prior to these strikes, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate to request nearly $70 billion in additional funding. This request is intended to finance ongoing operations and replenish depleted weapons reserves. During his testimony, Hegseth estimated the cost of the war against Iran at $37.5 billion, though he declined to provide specific details on future U.S. operational steps in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning that a subterranean complex known as "Mountain Pico," allegedly linked to Iran's nuclear program, could be a future target. The facility's location within a mountainous region presents challenges for conventional attacks, raising questions about the capabilities required to strike its underground structures. These escalating actions mark a significant rupture in the ceasefire agreement signed on June 18, intended to facilitate negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.