US strikes Iran after attacks in Strait of Hormuz
The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran after accusing Tehran of attacking three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions across the Gulf.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday it carried out "a series of powerful strikes" to impose "heavy costs" on Iran following what it described as unprovoked attacks on civilian shipping in the strategic waterway.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces struck more than 80 targets, including Iranian air defense systems, command-and-control facilities, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile sites and more than 60 boats operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The operation, the military said, was intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten international shipping and hold Tehran accountable for what Washington described as a violation of a ceasefire.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions overnight in southern Iran, including in the port city of Bandar Abbas, the coastal city of Sirik and on Qeshm Island. Iranian authorities did not immediately report casualties or damage.
The latest confrontation follows attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. officials attributed to Iran. The incidents caused significant damage but no casualties.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
US tightens economic pressure
In parallel with the military response, the U.S. Treasury Department revoked General License X, which had authorized the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil under a previous arrangement with Tehran.
A U.S. official said the agreement was "entirely performance-based" and that Iran would only benefit if it demonstrated responsible behavior.
"Iran's actions in the Strait were wholly unacceptable to the United States and will be met with consequences," the official said.
Gulf states on alert
The escalation triggered heightened security measures across the Gulf.
Air raid sirens sounded twice in Bahrain, with authorities urging residents to remain calm and seek shelter. In Kuwait, the armed forces said air defense systems were intercepting hostile missiles and drones, advising the public to follow official safety instructions.
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC launched a combined missile and drone operation targeting 85 U.S. military sites, including facilities linked to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The report also claimed Iranian forces shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone during the operation.
Neither Washington nor Gulf authorities immediately confirmed the extent of the reported Iranian attacks.
Dispute over shipping incidents
The latest escalation has also heightened diplomatic tensions between Iran and Gulf states.
Qatar summoned Iran's deputy ambassador after accusing Tehran of attacking the Qatari-owned vessel Al Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran rejected the accusation, insisting it remains committed to maintaining safe navigation through the waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said vessels that failed to coordinate their routes with Iranian authorities exposed themselves to unnecessary risks, while Iranian state media claimed the tanker had ignored repeated warnings before it was targeted.
The exchange underscores growing tensions over security in the Strait of Hormuz as military operations and diplomatic disputes continue to intensify across the region.
Source:AA
