US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Reimposing Strait of Hormuz Naval Blockade

Washington: The United States launched a seven-hour military operation targeting dozens of Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran's coastline, hours after reimposing a naval blockade on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

According to CENTCOM, the operation concluded at 10 p.m. ET, with US fighter jets, drones and naval warships carrying out precision strikes on Iranian missile and drone launch sites, naval assets and coastal defence systems.

The command said the strikes were aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian maritime traffic in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global trade and energy supplies.

The latest military action marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Earlier in the day, at 4 p.m. ET, the US resumed its naval blockade on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

"U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET," CENTCOM said in a separate statement.

The command added that more than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft were currently deployed across the Middle East.

"American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," the statement said.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the latest operation came in response to what he described as a series of Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and neighbouring Gulf countries.

"Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing or injured," Cooper said.

He also alleged that Iranian forces had launched dozens of missiles and drones towards neighbouring Gulf nations.

"U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives," he added.

CENTCOM did not disclose the exact locations targeted during the operation, provide an assessment of the damage caused or confirm whether there were any casualties.

The command also did not identify the commercial vessels allegedly attacked by Iran, the nationalities of the affected crew members or the Gulf countries it said had been targeted.

It said US forces remain prepared to carry out further operations if directed by the commander-in-chief.

With inputs from IANS