Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Sunday that it struck U.S. naval logistics facilities at the Port of Duqm in Oman, while the U.S. military said it had carried out a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, marking another escalation in the confrontation between the two countries.
The IRGC said in a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency on July 12 that it targeted what it described as U.S. logistical support facilities for naval vessels and aircraft carrier refueling infrastructure at the Port of Duqm.
According to the statement, the operation formed part of the third phase of Iran’s military campaign against U.S. forces and was carried out in response to recent American strikes on Iranian military targets.
Iran did not provide evidence to support its claim. Omani authorities had not commented on the reported attack, and the U.S. military had not acknowledged any strike or damage at the port at the time of publication.
The announcement came hours after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces struck about 140 military targets across Iran in a third consecutive night of operations.
CENTCOM said the targets included missile and drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition storage sites, communications networks and coastal surveillance positions. According to the command, more than 300 military targets have been struck across Iran since the campaign began earlier this week.
The U.S. military said the operations are intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and regional security. It also said commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has continued, adding that U.S. forces have helped facilitate the transit of more than 800 commercial vessels carrying about 400 million barrels of crude oil through the strategic waterway since early May.
The latest exchange underscores the rapid deterioration in relations between Washington and Tehran, with both sides increasing military operations and exchanging sharp public warnings.
President Donald Trump has said any Iranian attempt to target him or U.S. interests would trigger a decisive military response. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through sanctions and military action.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant implications for international energy markets and global trade.
