U.S. launches strikes after Iran fires on civilian vessel in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military has launched a third round of strikes against Iranian targets following an Iranian warning shot that damaged a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by closing the strait indefinitely and threatening further attacks on regional bases, effectively ending the recent ceasefire.
Why it matters
The escalation threatens global energy supplies and maritime security in a critical waterway, potentially drawing the U.S. into a broader regional conflict.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was closed once again after a warning shot fired by its military struck a vessel using an unauthorized route in the critical waterway, further jeopardizing the already tenuous ceasefire agreement with the United States.
U.S. Central Command said a short time later that its forces began a third round of strikes against Iran. There were explosions in Bandar Abbas and Sirik, two towns along the shores of the strait, Iran state media reported.
"The United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait," the American military said. A Cyprus-flagged container ship was hit by Iran and suffered "significant engineroom damage" and a civilian crew member is missing, U.S. Central Command said.
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