The United States has initiated a new series of attacks on Iran, commencing early this morning. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media that fresh strikes had begun at 6 am to degrade Iranian military assets utilized in attacks on cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to Tehran’s actions in the strait, the US reestablished a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign. The strikes targeted an Iranian army barracks, resulting in the death of at least seven troops and injuring over 260 individuals across the nation, according to Iranian officials.
Last month, the US lifted its blockade on Iran following an agreement that paused hostilities for negotiations on issues like Iran’s nuclear program. However, talks have stalled as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate.
Iran recently pulled out of a Memorandum of Understanding with the US citing alleged American violations. Deputy Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed Iran’s determination to assert full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of the consequences.
The conflict reignited due to disagreements over the administration of strait traffic. US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over during a NATO summit in Turkey, expressing his frustrations with Iran.
Following the latest closure of the strait by the US, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to cease all energy exports from the Middle East in response to the blockade. The US conducted another series of strikes hitting numerous targets over seven hours, as confirmed by the military’s Central Command.
One of the strikes targeted an Iranian army barracks in Sistan and Baluchestan province, resulting in casualties. Iranian state television reported casualties among both conscripts and career soldiers. The Health Ministry reported over 260 wounded in overnight strikes, with concerns over the escalating violence between Iran and the US.
The Iranian army vowed a strong response to what they termed as aggressive actions by the US.