The United States military has initiated a new wave of strikes against Iranian targets, citing retaliation for attacks on three commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was designed to impose significant consequences for targeting and attacking civilian-crewed ships within an international waterway. CENTCOM characterized the Iranian actions as unwarranted and dangerous, labeling them a direct violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.
While the US military has not specified the exact nature of all targeted assets, a US official reported to Reuters that the strikes focused on various military sites. These included anti-ship cruise missiles, air defense systems, and drone launch facilities. The military action coincides with a 60-day ceasefire period established under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US and Iran just last month.
Reports from Iranian media outlets indicate that explosions were heard in several southern regions of the country, including the island of Qeshm, the port city of Bandar Abbas, and the city of Sirik, where seven distinct blasts were reported. In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement through the state-run IRIB news outlet, accusing Washington of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding. The ministry warned of the consequences regarding the breach of the treaty, asserting that Iran will implement decisive measures to safeguard its national interests and security.
The escalation occurs as US President Donald Trump is currently in Turkey attending a NATO summit, where he held discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
