US Strikes 140 Targets in Iran After Vessel Attack; Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

The United States military launched a significant retaliatory strike against Iran, targeting at least 140 sites within the country. The operation, described as a response to Iran's recent attack on a commercial vessel, involved precision-guided munitions launched from land and sea assets, including fighter jets, drones, and warships. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes began Saturday evening Washington time.

“

U.S. forces struck approximately 140 military targets in Iran using precision-guided munitions launched from land and sea fighter jets, drones, and warships.

CENTCOM detailed that the targets included missile and drone bases, naval facilities, ammunition depots, communication networks, and coastal surveillance posts. This action marks the third series of attacks by the U.S. against Iran in the past week. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, "Iran made a bad choice. Now they will pay for it."

The U.S. asserts that Iran "blatantly attacked" a container ship sailing under the Cyprus flag through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have fired warning shots and stopped the vessel for ignoring directives to follow a designated shipping corridor. CENTCOM reported that one crew member went missing and the ship sustained damage from fire and engine compartment issues, rendering it unable to continue its journey.

“

Iran made a bad choice. Now they will pay for it.

In response to the incident, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice." This strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is transported during peacetime, will not permit passage for any vessels until the U.S. intervention in the region ceases, according to the Guard. Disputes over the management of the strait remain a significant obstacle to a potential U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

“

After this incident... the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice, and until the U.S. intervention in this region ends, no vessels will be allowed to pass through it.