US military carries out new strikes on Iranian targets as hostilities flare
The US military conducted large-scale air strikes against Iranian targets in retaliation for attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation has led to retaliatory strikes by Iran across the Middle East and a significant rise in global oil prices.
Why it matters
This represents a major military escalation in the Middle East that threatens regional stability and global energy markets ahead of the US midterm elections.
The US military launched new air strikes on Iran on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in a six-month war that has seen President Donald Trump alternate between threats, economic sanctions and force.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media that the attacks were in response to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) recent attempted attacks on commercial ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region.
“The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level.”
CENTCOM said it attacked Iranian air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, minelaying capabilities and communications sites.
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