The United States military has carried out another series of strikes against Iran, targeting facilities near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM announced the operation aims to further degrade Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the vital waterway.
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, the strikes were ordered by the commander to further limit Iran’s capacity to jeopardize freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported near the Iranian coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Sirik, as confirmed by the semi-official Fars news agency. – (On order of the commander, CENTCOM forces conducted additional strikes on Iran to further limit its ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.) – the command said in a statement. – (The United States is holding Iran accountable for its recent unprovoked aggression against merchant vessels and their civilian crews, who were transiting freely on this key international waterway.) – added CENTCOM.
The new attacks come hours after the U.S. president, speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, warned that additional military action against Iran was likely later Wednesday evening. He also threatened to reinstate a naval blockade of the country, escalating the already tense standoff.
Escalation after failed truce talks
The strikes follow a previous wave of U.S. attacks earlier this week, when American forces hit over 80 targets in Iran in retaliation for Iranian strikes on three commercial vessels. Despite a temporary ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan in mid-June, which was designed to allow 60 days for negotiations, indirect talks in Qatar last week ended without progress. – (We will continue attacks on Iran until Tehran stops attacking merchant ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.) – said Vice President J.D. Vance.
Strait of Hormuz at center of conflict
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, and Iran has long used the threat of disruption as leverage. The U.S. insists on maintaining free passage, while Tehran argues its actions are defensive against perceived foreign aggression. The ceasefire agreement, formally still in effect, now appears fragile as both sides ramp up military operations. No new rounds of negotiations have been announced, leaving the region on edge.
The international community has called for restraint, but with no diplomatic breakthrough in sight, the risk of broader conflict continues to grow. The latest U.S. strikes serve as a clear signal that Washington is prepared to sustain its campaign until Iran halts attacks on merchant shipping.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
