The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday evening the launch of a new wave of airstrikes targeting sites within Iran. This action marks a new escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran following the recent resumption of military operations between the two countries.
CENTCOM stated that the strikes began at 3 PM Eastern Standard Time, aiming to further undermine Iranian capabilities, which Washington claims are used in targeting commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. command also noted that these operations coincide with the preparation to reactivate the naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, set to go into effect at 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported hearing three explosions west of the port city of Bandar Abbas, with additional blasts rocking the city of Ahvaz in the southwestern Khuzestan province. No official statements have been released about the extent of the damage or the specific locations targeted.
This escalation occurs despite a memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran on June 18 aimed at ending hostilities. However, the U.S. resumed its military operations on July 8, justifying its actions as a response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the latest U.S. strikes as a severe violation of existing agreements, heightening concerns over the potential for expanded conflict in the region.