US-Iran war latest: Middle East tensions escalate as US launches fresh strikes on Iran near Strait of Hormuz
The United States has launched a new wave of attacks against Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a new escalation in the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Explosions were reported in the southern Iranian port city of Sirik on Sunday; State broadcaster IRIB confirmed that explosions were heard but did not provide further details. ABC reports.
The US military said the operation targeted Iran’s military infrastructure in response to what it described as ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the waterway.
“CENTCOM forces launched an attack today in direct response to Iran’s ongoing aggression against commercial shipping,” the US military said in a statement.
“US military aircraft targeted Iran’s military surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense facilities, drone storage facilities, and mine-laying capabilities.
“Commercial ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz continues. US forces are alert, lethal and ready.”
Iran had previously announced that it had launched attacks on targets linked to US forces in retaliation for American airstrikes on its southern coast.
Iran’s foreign ministry said Saturday’s attacks were “defensive” and in response to what it described as “barbaric air strikes” on coastal surveillance facilities, and claimed that the US action also violated the UN Charter.
The ministry did not specify where the retaliatory attacks took place.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, later condemned Iran’s drone attack on its territory, describing it as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and warning that it reserved the right to defend itself.
British maritime safety agency UKMTO later reported fresh tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after an oil tank was damaged by an “unidentified projectile”.
“There was damage to the ship’s bridge; all crew were declared safe,” UKMTO said.
Security firm Vanguard Tech identified the ship as the Panama-flagged tanker KIKU.
Iran has not publicly accepted responsibility for any attacks on commercial shipping. But state media reported that the Revolutionary Guard fired “warning shots” at ships passing through sea lanes that Tehran says are not allowed.
The developments have increased new uncertainties regarding the ceasefire reached last week; Both Washington and Tehran have accused each other of violating the agreement aimed at ending four months of conflict.
In a separate incident, Israel confirmed a drone strike near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, saying it targeted a person considered a threat to its forces.
The attack came just a day after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered security arrangement aimed at reducing tensions along their shared border.
