ByJERUSALEM POST STAFFJULY 20, 2026 23:42Updated: JULY 20, 2026 23:47US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced in an X/Twitter post that a new round of strikes designed to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz" began on Monday. Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Bakri-Kani said on Monday that "The pressure lever of the Strait of Hormuz is of paramount importance to us," adding that Iran is not willing to back down from its position on the issue.Explosions sound in IranMeanwhile, explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik Island, and Qeshm, according to Iranian media.Additionally, air defense systems near an Iranian nuclear power plant in Bushehr were activated, N12 reported.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google