More than 50,000 U.S. military personnel are currently deployed across the Middle East, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed amid escalating tensions with Iran. The announcement comes as a commercial tanker was struck by a missile off the coast of Oman — a flashpoint in the broader contest for control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Unprecedented U.S. Military Presence
This deployment marks the largest American military footprint in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Reinforcements began gradually at the end of January 2026 and culminated in the arrival of substantial air and naval assets within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. The buildup is attributed to rising hostilities with Iran and internal unrest, including violent crackdowns on domestic protests.
In its latest statement, CENTCOM emphasized that U.S. forces remain at a high state of operational readiness — maintaining a strong deterrent posture and continuous vigilance as security conditions in the Middle East continue to deteriorate.
Third Day of Strikes Against Iran
CENTCOM concluded its third consecutive day of strikes against Iranian targets at 10:15 p.m. ET (5:15 a.m. local Greece time) on July 13, 2026. Over a five-hour operation, U.S. forces successfully hit military sites across Iran — including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas — further degrading Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.
Precision munitions were used against Iranian coastal defense systems, missile launch positions, unmanned aerial vehicles, and naval capabilities. CENTCOM also confirmed successful strikes on an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility — with three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hitting the naval base at Bandar Abbas port. The command released video footage of the operation, noting it marked the first known use of such sea-based autonomous platforms by U.S. forces in combat.
Tanker Attack Off Oman
Meanwhile, a tanker was struck by a missile in waters off Oman’s coast, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) — the British agency responsible for monitoring commercial maritime activity. The incident occurred as Iran and the United States exchanged fire in a bid to assert dominance over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
“UKMTO received a report of an incident 13 nautical miles off the Omani coast,” the agency stated.