US launches strikes on Iran after attacks on commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz
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- US Central Command says it launched strikes on Iran in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States launched what it described as "powerful" strikes against Iran on Tuesday in response to attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US military.
In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had begun "a series of powerful strikes" to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for targeting commercial shipping crewed by civilians in international waters.
"The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said, adding that Iran's actions were "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."
First US strikes since last month's operation
The strikes mark the first direct US military action against Iran since a wave of air raids late last month, which Washington also said were carried out in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
A ceasefire between the two sides took effect on April 8, although intermittent violence has continued in the Gulf region.
Explosions reported across southern Iran
Shortly after the US announcement, Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the Strait of Hormuz region.
State broadcaster IRIB said six explosions were heard on the Iranian island of Qeshm, seven more in the city of Sirik, while additional blasts were reported in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.
Iranian authorities have not yet officially commented on the reported US strikes or the explosions.
