WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has launched what it described as “powerful” military strikes against Iran in retaliation for attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to what it said were Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and were intended to “impose heavy costs” for targeting civilian vessels in an international waterway. The U.S. also accused Iran of violating an existing ceasefire.
CENTCOM said Iran’s actions were “unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” adding that the operation was aimed at protecting freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
The latest strikes are the first U.S. military action against Iran since a series of air raids carried out late last month, which Washington also said were in response to attacks on commercial shipping.
The renewed hostilities threaten to further undermine the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and have raised fresh concerns over regional security and the safety of global energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose following the announcement of the strikes as markets reacted to the heightened geopolitical tensions.
Iranian state media reported explosions in southern parts of the country, including around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, although Tehran had not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks on the commercial vessels at the time of reporting.
