US forces launch air strikes against targets in southern Iran

The US military has announced a round of strikes against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces attacked a container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engineroom damage,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on X.

CENTCOM noted it has started a third round of strikes on Iran after accusing the IRGC of “blatantly” attacking the ship.

The strikes were carried out at the direction of President Donald Trump.

“Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but has again failed,” it said, referring to the peace deal signed on 16 June.

“In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait,” it added.

Explosions rock multiple port cities

Iran’s IRIBstate broadcaster is reporting more explosions across southern Iran.