US Escalates Iran Port Strikes as Hormuz Transits Halve

Sixth Night of Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure

According to a report by The Maritime Executive, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a sixth consecutive night of bombing targeting infrastructure inside Iran, including the southern port complex of Chah Bahar Shahid Kalantari. Other reports cited in the article indicate increased strikes around Bandar Abbas as well, a story also followed by gCaptain in coverage of related sanctions on Iranian shipping networks.

Chah Bahar Shahid Kalantari has been operated with Indian cooperation for roughly two decades as a regional trade hub, including as a route for overland trade into Afghanistan. CENTCOM said U.S. forces destroyed the port’s surveillance tower on July 16, describing it as part of a maritime surveillance network the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has used along Iran’s Gulf of Oman coastline to track commercial vessels. Iran disputed this characterization, saying the tower served as traffic control for the port complex and noting it was the third day of attacks there.

Expanding Target List

CENTCOM said U.S. forces used fighter jets, drones, and warships to strike coastal surveillance sites, air defense installations, military logistics, infrastructure, and maritime capabilities. The Associated Press, as referenced in the report, said the campaign has expanded to include power infrastructure and bridges, with strikes reported on roads and bridges leading to Bandar Abbas — suggesting an effort to cut off Iran’s principal port.

Iran responded with missile and drone launches toward Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, saying it was targeting U.S. military installations. Kuwait reported damage to a power and water desalination plant. UKMTO also reported an attack on a tanker attempting the Omani route through the Strait of Hormuz, which sustained minor damage.

Hormuz Traffic Falls Sharply

Data cited from AXSMarine shows transits through the Strait of Hormuz have dropped by more than half in the week since bombings resumed. Average daily crossings exceeded 34 vessels in early July, fell to just under 30 on July 8-9, and dropped to 14 vessels between July 12 and 16. The analysis found 63 percent of transits are now on the Iranian corridor, versus only 10 percent on the Omani route, while so-called

Apeks view — For operators, this is a straightforward risk-management moment, not an analytical puzzle. Traffic data already shows the practical response: routing shifted away from the Omani corridor as attacks continued, and a tanker taking that route sustained damage. Decisions on transiting Hormuz should rest on verified naval, CENTCOM, and UKMTO advisories rather than assumption. Technical managers should expect continued volatility in port access, particularly at Bandar Abbas and Chah Bahar, and plan voyage schedules accordingly until conditions stabilize.