The United States has initiated a new series of attacks on Iran, commencing early today. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed via social media that their forces had launched fresh attacks starting at 6 am. These strikes aim to diminish Iranian military assets utilized in attacks on cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes, which began at 6 a.m. Eastern Time, are intended to further weaken the military capabilities Iran has used for assaults on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for Tehran’s actions against ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, the US reinstated a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrikes. Iranian officials reported that the American strikes targeted an Iranian army barracks, resulting in the death of at least seven soldiers and injuries to over 260 individuals nationwide.
Last month, the US lifted the blockade imposed on Iran after initially enforcing it in April. Subsequently, a deal was signed between Iran and the US, pausing hostilities and setting a 60-day negotiation period concerning Iran’s nuclear program. However, the talks have stalled as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persist.
Earlier today, Iran announced its withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the US, citing alleged American violations following a series of reciprocal strikes in the Middle East. Iran’s Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, asserted that Iran will maintain full control over the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of the consequences.
The conflict reignited due to disagreements over the administration of traffic in the strait. President Donald Trump declared the end of the ceasefire during a NATO summit in Turkey, expressing his disdain towards further dealings with Iran. In response to the latest closure of the strait by the US, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to cease all energy exports from the Middle East, emphasizing that energy exports will either be inclusive for all or exclusive for none.
The US conducted another round of strikes, targeting numerous locations over a seven-hour period, as confirmed by the military’s Central Command. One strike specifically targeted a barracks belonging to Iran’s 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province, resulting in casualties. Iranian state television reported that the strike led to the deaths of conscripts and career soldiers, with several others wounded.
Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, mentioned that over 30 individuals have been killed in recent days, while Hossein Kermanpour, a Health Ministry spokesperson, reported that more than 260 people were injured in overnight strikes. The Iranian army vowed to deliver a substantial response to what they labeled as aggressive actions by the US.
