US military launches series of new strikes against Iran

The United States military has launched a series of strikes targeting Iran, with US Central Command confirming the action via a post on X. These strikes were reportedly carried out in retaliation for Iran's alleged attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media, Press TV, reported early Wednesday that several explosions were heard in the southern port city of Sirik. At the time of reporting, no specific details regarding the cause of the blasts, potential casualties, or any damage incurred were available.

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The US military has launched a series of strikes against Iran.

Earlier on Tuesday, the British military had reported that three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. These incidents marked the latest in a series of attacks targeting vessels navigating this crucial waterway. The attacks occurred as international efforts are underway to negotiate a permanent end to the war between the US and Iran.

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several explosions had been heard in the southern port city of Sirik.

Hours after the tanker incidents, the US revoked a license that had authorized the sale of Iranian oil. This license, issued by the US Treasury last month, had waived sanctions on Iranian oil as part of an interim agreement to end the fighting. The fresh attacks in the strait threaten to disrupt the flow of traffic, potentially exacerbating global economic strains caused by the ongoing war.

One of the affected tankers, carrying liquefied natural gas, caught fire after being hit by a projectile. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center stated the projectile struck the left-side engine room. Iranian state television, quoting anonymous sources, implied Tehran's involvement, though no official claim was made. The other two ships sustained minor damage and continued their journey, according to the UK maritime agency. Tehran has previously suggested that only its approved routes through the strait are safe, and has been suspected of attacking ships using routes closer to the Omani shore. Location data indicates all three attacks occurred off the coast of Oman or the United Arab Emirates, suggesting the ships may have been using the route near Oman.

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three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US is keen to advance negotiations with Iran, aiming to fully reopen the strait, curb Tehran's nuclear program, and establish a permanent end to the war that began on February 28th. However, the interim deal has faced strain. Previous attacks in the strait have led to retaliatory strikes by the US, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states.

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One tanker was carrying liquid natural gas south through the strait near Limah, Oman, when a projectile hit the left-side engine room and sparked a fire.