The United States military launched an eleventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Tuesday, with explosions reported in the northwestern Tabriz region. The strikes, which began at 7 pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT), are intended to degrade Iran's capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

This latest escalation follows the breakdown of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran that was agreed upon on June 17. The ongoing conflict centers on control of the vital waterway in the Gulf, a critical chokepoint for global trade.

CENTCOM stated that the strikes are part of an ongoing effort to diminish Iran's capabilities. The reported attack on Tabriz, if confirmed, would represent a shift in the focus of recent strikes, which have predominantly targeted southern Iran and areas closer to the Strait of Hormuz.

The sustained military action indicates a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The US has framed its operations as defensive measures aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in a strategically crucial maritime area.

Previous reports have indicated that the cost of the US military engagement, potentially related to these operations, has reached $37.5 billion, according to US defense chief Hegseth. This figure underscores the substantial financial commitment involved in the protracted confrontation.

While CENTCOM has outlined the strategic objective of the strikes, further details regarding the specific targets and the extent of damage in the Tabriz region have not been immediately confirmed. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring of the conflict's progression.

The breakdown of the June memorandum of understanding suggests a failure in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, leading to a renewed reliance on military actions. This has raised concerns among international observers about the potential for wider regional instability.

Questions remain about the long-term implications of these continuous strikes on Iran's infrastructure and military capabilities, as well as the broader impact on regional security and international maritime trade.