The United States has launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was aimed at further degrading Iran’s ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out on the direction of the Commander-in-Chief to hold Iranian forces accountable.

 

The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. According to Iran’s Press TV, three explosions were reported in the southern Iranian cities of Jask, Bandar Abbas and Sirik following the US strikes.

 

US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic, dismissing Iranian claims of control. He also said recent diplomatic efforts with Iran had collapsed, alleging that a tentative agreement with Tehran was derailed following an Iranian military strike on a commercial vessel. US President Trump said the United States had responded to the renewed Iranian aggression with significant military force.

 

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the renewed military confrontation between Iran and the United States, warning of serious regional and global consequences. He said a return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for the people of the region, international peace and security, and the global economy. The UN chief urged both Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.