US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Attack on Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz
The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran after Iranian forces reportedly fired at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions between the two countries and placing a fragile ceasefire under strain.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest operation began at 5 p.m. ET with the objective of reducing Iran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels passing through one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
CENTCOM stated that the strikes were ordered under the direction of the US President to hold Iranian forces accountable. Reports indicated that this marked the third wave of US military action against Iranian targets within 24 hours, with strikes focusing on coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials also said Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces targeted civilian vessels in the strategic waterway. During the operation, American aircraft reportedly intercepted and destroyed an Iranian cruise missile and a one-way attack drone.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Jask, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirik in Hormozgan province but said there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties or damage to residential infrastructure.
The latest escalation follows earlier US strikes targeting Iranian missile systems, air-defence installations and Revolutionary Guard boats operating near the Strait of Hormuz. According to US media reports, more than 300 Iranian military targets have been struck over the past three days.
Iran also carried out retaliatory attacks over the weekend against US-linked facilities and regional countries. Kuwait reported damage to three northern border posts, while an offshore drilling platform belonging to the Kuwait Oil Company was struck, injuring one worker.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has voiced serious concern over the renewed hostilities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both Washington and Tehran to immediately halt military actions and resume diplomatic negotiations, warning that a wider conflict could have severe consequences for regional stability, global security and the world economy.
