Trump says he'll give speech Thursday; third night of Iran attacks begins

July 13 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said he will address the nation at 9 p.m. EDT Thursday, an announcement that comes as another night of U.S. attacks on Iranian targets begins.

Trump did not say what the address will be about.

U.S. Central Command said in its own social media post Monday afternoon that the third consecutive night of attacks on Iran started at Trump's direction.

"These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," the post said.

Iranian news sources reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and on the islands of Kish, Abu Musa and Qeshm. Flight-tracking information showed at least a dozen U.S. military aircraft circling over the Middle East, including surveillance and intelligence aircraft and refueling tankers, CNN reported.

Also Monday, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian missiles hit two UAE tankers in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member, injuring others and causing fires and further damage. The United States has canceled all appointments in the coming days at the UAE embassy and consulate.

Central Command also said Monday that the new naval blockade on Iranian ships will resume at 4 p.m. EDT Tuesday. In announcing the blockade's return, Trump also said the United States could charge a fee on each ship passing through the strait equal to 20% of its cargo in exchange for U.S. protection.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 9:05 PM.