US launches fresh strikes on Iran as tensions boil over in Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that its forces launched a new round of strikes against Iran.

“At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said on the US social media platform X.

The command added that the operation was carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump “to hold Iranian forces accountable.”

The latest flare-up follows Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) saying overnight that the Strait of Hormuz was once again considered closed following US military action.

The IRGC said two vessels that chose the southern route near Oman, rather than Iran’s designated northern passage, were struck.

Iran also said it had targeted US interests across the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Oman, in retaliation for US strikes.

Continued military exchanges

The latest escalation has further reduced prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough, with talks appearing increasingly difficult amid continued military exchanges.