US Military Launches Strikes on Iranian Targets Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States military has initiated a new series of airstrikes against targets in Iran, aimed at reducing what it describes as Iranian threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from US Central Command.

The strikes, which began at 1900 GMT on Wednesday, are focused on Iranian military capabilities that the US says have been used to threaten vessels exercising their right to free passage through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), US Central Command confirmed the operation, stating that it targets 'Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.' No further details on the scale or specific locations of the strikes were immediately available.

The move marks an escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, which have been high since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Iran has previously been accused of harassing and seizing commercial and military vessels in the region, though it denies doing so with state approval.

The US has stated that the strikes are defensive in nature and aimed at ensuring the freedom of navigation, a principle of international law. However, critics argue that such actions could lead to a broader conflict in the region.

As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strikes. Iranian officials have not yet commented on the incident. The international community has called for restraint from both sides to avoid any escalation that could disrupt global oil supplies and regional stability.