According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted surveillance and communications systems, air defense facilities, drone depots, and mine-laying assets. Washington stated that the operation was a response to Iran’s ongoing attacks against commercial shipping, DW reports.
According to the U.S. military, Iran was given a chance to comply with the ceasefire following previous strikes. However, according to CENTCOM, an Iranian drone attacked the Panamanian-flagged tanker “Kiku” this morning as it was transporting more than two million barrels of oil near the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the escalation, commercial vessels continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM reported, emphasizing that U.S. forces remain on full combat alert.
Tensions have also spread to neighboring countries. Kuwaiti authorities reported that missiles and drones had been intercepted by air defense systems. In Bahrain, an air raid alert was declared following reports of explosions, and residents were urged to take shelter in safe locations.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks. Officials in Tehran stated that U.S. military facilities were the targets and that the strikes were a response to U.S. actions.
According to a source, the new attack began a day after Washington announced strikes on Iranian territory in response to the attack on the commercial vessel Ever Lovely. Following this, the IRGC reported strikes on U.S. military bases in the Middle East and warned of an “even more massive response” in the event of further attacks.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the new military operation. In a post on Truth Social, he stated that the strikes were in response to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire agreement and warned that further escalation could have “extremely serious consequences” for Tehran.
