US Launches New Offensive to Curb Iran's Attack Capability in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces initiated a new offensive against Iran on Sunday evening, aiming to further diminish Tehran's capacity to assault commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, which began at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, were ordered by President Donald Trump to hold Iranian forces accountable, according to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom).

This latest round of operations follows an Iranian bombing of a Cyprus-flagged vessel earlier in the weekend. Centcom reported that U.S. forces had struck approximately 140 Iranian military targets using precision munitions launched from aircraft, drones, and naval vessels. These targets included Iran's missile and drone facilities, naval capabilities, ammunition depots, communication networks, and coastal surveillance posts.

The U.S. response seeks to ensure the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated in an interview on Sunday that the waterway remains open to commercial traffic, despite Iran's announcement of its closure. "Last night we bombed them as much as possible. They are very, very evil and sick people," Trump remarked, declining to elaborate on discussions for a ceasefire agreement.

Prior to Saturday's attacks, Iran had announced the closure of the strait "until further notice." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps asserted that any foreign interference to open an "illegal route" in the region would be met with a forceful response, as reported by Iranian state radio IRIB.