US launches new offensive to 'continue degrading' Iran's attack capability

U.S. forces launched a new offensive against Iran on Sunday, aiming to further degrade the country's capacity to attack commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, which began Sunday afternoon, were ordered by President Donald Trump to hold Iranian forces accountable, according to the U.S. Central Command.

These operations serve as retaliation for a previous Iranian bombing of a Cyprus-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. By Saturday night, U.S. forces had struck around 140 Iranian military targets using precision munitions from ground and sea-based fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels. The targets included Iran's missile and drone facilities, naval capabilities, ammunition depots, communication networks, and coastal surveillance posts.

The U.S. response aims to ensure the free passage of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated in an interview that the area remains open to commercial traffic, despite Iran's announcement of its closure. "We bombed them as much as possible last night. They are very, very evil and sick people," Trump said, declining to elaborate on ceasefire talks. Iran's Revolutionary Guard previously announced the closure of the strait "until further notice," warning that any foreign interference to open an "illegal route" would be met with a strong response.