The United States has launched fresh military strikes against Iran following attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the , further escalating tensions despite an existing ceasefire.
According to a statement posted on X by the (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
“The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz and will impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping,” the statement said.
CENTCOM described the attacks as unjustified, dangerous and a violation of the ceasefire, stressing that the military action was intended to hold Tehran accountable.
Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on April 8, tensions have continued in the Gulf region, with intermittent attacks on commercial vessels and retaliatory military operations.
Tuesday’s operation marks the first US strike on Iran since a series of air raids carried out late last month, which Washington also said were launched in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
The latest military exchange highlights the fragile security situation in the Gulf and the continued risk to international shipping despite efforts to preserve the ceasefire.
