WASHINGTON: The United States has completed a third round of strikes against Iran, hitting about 140 military targets over the latest phase of operations, US Central Command said.
CENTCOM said the attacks were carried out in response to Iranian actions against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for energy supplies and international trade.
The US military said precision weapons were launched from land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels during the operation.
Targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance positions, according to CENTCOM.
More Than 300 Targets Hit in Three Nights
CENTCOM said US forces had struck more than 300 targets during three nights of military operations aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The command said the strikes were directed at military infrastructure linked to attacks on civilian mariners and vessels using the strategic waterway.
The US military did not immediately provide an independent assessment of casualties or the full extent of damage caused by the latest strikes.
Shipping Continues Through Strait of Hormuz
Despite the escalating conflict, CENTCOM said commercial vessels continued to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military claimed that its forces had helped facilitate the passage of more than 800 commercial vessels and about 400 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway since early May.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global oil and gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption could affect energy supplies, shipping costs, international trade and global inflation.
Independent reporting has confirmed that the latest US offensive followed attacks on commercial shipping in the strait, while Iran has accused Washington of escalating the conflict and has launched retaliatory attacks in the wider Gulf region.
The renewed exchange of strikes has increased fears of a wider regional confrontation as diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions struggle to make progress.
Also Read: Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Is Over as US Strikes Raise Global Oil, Pakistan Concerns
Today's E-Paper