US Hits Iran for 13th Straight Night as Congress Splits on War Powers

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets on July 23 at 9 p.m. ET. The operation targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities as part of efforts to reduce threats from Iran to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said U.S. forces launched another round of strikes at 6:45 p.m. ET on the same day, marking the 13th straight night of operations. The command also said that since resuming the naval blockade against Iran nine days ago, it has redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one vessel to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas. It added that more than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently operating across the Middle East and that commercial traffic continues through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. military support.

Axios reported that the U.S. military used a B-1 long-range bomber to strike Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets on Tuesday, marking the bomber’s first mission since fighting resumed 12 days ago. The B-1 can carry up to 24 bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, signaling an expansion of U.S. military operations. Reports say President Trump is considering broader military action against Iran. CENTCOM did not mention the B-1 in its statement, and details on the targets and the strike’s impact remain unclear.

UK maritime analytics firm Windward said satellite images published on the 23rd showed two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz suspected of leaking oil. The eastern vessel, the Kavomarias, was attacked and set on fire on the 20th near the strait. Windward said the ship was in ballast, indicating the discharge was likely ship fuel rather than crude oil or cargo. The second vessel, a dark ship with its AIS switched off, remains unidentified and has been stationary in the area since May, with satellite imagery indicating suspected leakage around its hull.

Sources said that during a recent Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump described Iranian leaders as “scum” and “madmen” and expressed frustration that the campaign had entered its fifth month after he had expected a conflict lasting only weeks. According to the sources, advisers said the war has contributed to higher prices, lower approval ratings, and the deaths of more than a dozen U.S. service members. They also said Trump believes Tehran only understands force, is in “retaliation mode,” and sees few viable options beyond continued strikes.

Iranian military officials said on the 23rd that they intercepted a U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile over the Kahnuj area of southeast Kerman province. Two explosions were also reported near Qeshm Island in Hormozgan province, while residents reported multiple blasts south of Larak and Hengam islands in the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi met Iranian President Pezeshkian in Tehran. Zaidi said Iraq would not allow any action threatening Iran to be launched from Iraqi territory, while Pezeshkian said security and stability remain important for bilateral ties.

In Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a War Powers resolution on Thursday calling on President Trump to halt military action against Iran by a 214-208 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats. Hours later, the Senate rejected its version of the measure in a 49-47 procedural vote. Senator Susan Collins of Maine voted with Democrats to advance the proposal, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans against it, and four Republican senators did not vote.