The U.S. military says it is launching new strikes on Iran amid renewed hostilities between the two countries.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday that American forces were striking targets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM stated the strikes were a response to recent IRGC attempts to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. service members stationed in the region.
Iran has previously retaliated against similar U.S. strikes, and the latest attack could provoke a new escalation in hostilities. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported explosions in the country’s south, including in Konarak, Bandar Abbas, and on Kish Island.
New exchange of strikes
Tuesday’s strikes followed an exchange of attacks that took place on Sunday. Then, U.S. forces struck Larak Island in southern Iran, and Tehran responded with missile launches targeting a base in Jordan where U.S. service members were deployed. The Sunday attacks were the first strikes by both countries since July.
The administration of President Donald Trump had previously said it was changing its strategy toward Iran, shifting from military strikes to increasing economic pressure. The U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports while threatening Tehran’s trade partners with secondary sanctions.
Struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran continues to claim control over the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key energy trade routes. In recent weeks, Trump and his advisors have stated that the U.S., despite Iran’s blockade, has managed to ensure the daily passage of millions of barrels of oil through the strait.
At the same time, reports of attacks on vessels in the strait area have been coming in almost daily.
On Monday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was hit by three «unknown projectiles» while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Al Jazeera
