- The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces “have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.
- Iranian media is reporting air defence has been activated after explosions were reported in two locations in southern Iran.
The United States has launched another round of military strikes against targets in southern Iran, further escalating tensions in the Gulf amid the collapse of the recently brokered ceasefire.
Iranian media reported that air defence systems were activated following explosions in two locations along the country’s southern coast, including areas near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The reports came shortly after the U.S. military confirmed a new phase of operations.
In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that, under the direction of President Donald Trump, American forces had begun “additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The operation follows Washington’s accusation that Iran was behind recent attacks targeting commercial shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime energy corridors.
President Trump also issued a fresh warning to Tehran, declaring that further military action could follow if Iran continues its current course. He said the United States is prepared to “de-nuclearise” Iran “without a deal,” signalling that Washington is willing to pursue military means should diplomatic efforts fail.
Earlier in the day, Trump announced that the ceasefire agreement with Iran was effectively “over,” accusing Tehran of violating its commitments and abandoning the understanding reached after last month’s hostilities.
The latest strikes mark another significant escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of broader regional instability and renewed disruption to global energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
