US ends Iran air strikes, asserts control over Hormuz Strait

The United States military concluded its latest series of air strikes against Iran, reaffirming its stance that Tehran does not hold control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes, which involved fighter jets, ships, and drones, targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar installations, missile and drone equipment, and small vessels.

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The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade," Central Command declared. "Iran does not control it." The command emphasized that U.S. forces are prepared to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, despite what it described as Iran's "unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary declarations."

In response, Bahrain activated its missile alert sirens for a second time, urging residents to seek shelter. Jordan announced it had intercepted and shot down four missiles launched by Iran, with the Jordanian military reporting no casualties or material damage. Iranian state media confirmed the attacks on its territory, reporting explosions and at least one fatality.

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US forces are postured and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary declarations.

The ongoing dispute over the control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, threatens to escalate tensions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have "catastrophic consequences."

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A return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences.