US launches fresh strikes on Iran after attacks in Strait of Hormuz

The US military has launched new strikes against Iran, hours after three merchant ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted to social media, US Central Command said American forces launched the strikes to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.

One US official said, the military is targeting Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance systems, ground-to-air missiles as well as launch sites for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones. Iranian port facilities are also being targeted. Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said that the new attacks by the US are a violation of the agreement.

United States has also revoked a licence that had authorised the sale of Iranian oil as part of the interim deal to end the fighting between the US and Iran. A US official said, the licence was revoked because Iran’s actions in the strait were unacceptable and needed to be met with consequences.

Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the US move to revoke the license, saying that it violates the interim deal and that the US government bears responsibility for the consequences of this breach of commitment. (Agencies)