US launches new strikes against Iran; Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has launched further strikes against Iran, aiming to degrade its capacity to attack commercial and civilian ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command confirmed the attacks, which occurred late Sunday, stating they were necessary to hold Iran accountable for its actions.

Following the US strikes, Iranian state media reported a series of explosions in various locations across the southern Hormozgan province, including Jask, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik. The governorate of Hormozgan stated that initial reports indicated no civilian casualties or damage to residential or commercial infrastructure. However, one report mentioned the targeting of a telecommunications tower in Sirik, a site previously hit in earlier attacks.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reportedly fired on merchant traffic, while a US aircraft intercepted an Iranian cruise missile and a drone. US Central Command reiterated that the strait is open, with US forces prepared to ensure freedom of navigation, directly contradicting Iran's claims of closure. This escalation follows a period of apparent calm and diplomatic talks, underscoring the ongoing strategic importance of the waterway.