The US military said it is carrying out another round of strikes on Wednesday after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Iran's Mehr agency said explosions were heard near Konarak and Chabahr. Iranian reports also said air defenses were engaging "hostile targets" near Bandar Abbas. Iranian state TV reported further explosions are heard in Abu Musa Island, one of three small islands that are claimed by the United Arab Emirates and provide the backbone of Iran's hold over the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X: "At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway."
Wednesday's strikes against Iran are expected to be bigger than those carried out on Tuesday, an unnamed U.S. official told Reuters.
Iran's Nournews cites a military source as saying that Iranian armed forces will launch a "massive" attack on U.S. army bases in the region shortly.
The US military actions are escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, drawing international attention. The strait is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil supply passes. Iran's control over the strait threatens international shipping, and US actions aim to ensure freedom of navigation.
According to Iranian sources, explosions were heard in several cities, including Konarak, Chabahr, and Bandar Abbas. The explosions on Abu Musa Island highlight the strategic importance of the island, located near the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE also claims these islands, causing international disputes.
CENTCOM's statement says the US strikes are aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and preventing future aggression. According to the unnamed official, the scale of the strikes will be increased, demonstrating US resolve.
Iran has responded by threatening a "massive" attack, increasing the risk of a wider military conflict in the region. Nournews reported that Iranian armed forces are ready to strike US military bases. This situation is causing concern in the international community and prompting calls for diplomatic solutions.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have flared before, but the latest events have led to the most extensive military actions. A direct conflict between the US and Iran could have serious consequences for regional stability and the global economy. International organizations are urging both sides to engage in dialogue and cease military operations.
The continuation of US military actions could provoke retaliatory strikes from Iran, further intensifying the conflict in the region. World powers are closely monitoring the situation and seeking diplomatic avenues. However, for now, both sides maintain their positions and continue military operations.