US Launches Fresh Iran Strikes Amid Gulf Escalation

TEHRAN: (Special Reporter) – The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Sunday after Tehran targeted a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating tensions in the Gulf. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation marked the third round of American strikes carried out against Iranian targets this week.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, claiming the Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel had switched off its tracking systems and deviated from its approved route. Iranian state media said the ship ignored repeated warnings before IRGC forces fired warning shots and a cruise missile, forcing it to stop. Tehran also warned that any further U.S. military action would be met with a strong response.

U.S. officials said the vessel sustained severe engine room damage and was left unable to continue its voyage, with one crew member reported missing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran had ignored repeated opportunities to avoid further escalation, while CENTCOM stated that approximately 140 Iranian military targets were struck during the latest operation. The targets reportedly included missile sites, drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots, communications networks, and coastal surveillance positions.

According to the U.S. military, more than 300 Iranian military targets have been hit across three waves of strikes this week, with the stated objective of reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

Iran said it retaliated by targeting American military facilities in the region. Iranian state media reported attacks on U.S. installations in Jordan, while the IRGC claimed additional operations were launched in response to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian coastal positions and communications infrastructure.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while Qatar confirmed it had successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting the country. Bahrain also issued emergency alerts, urging residents to seek shelter as regional security concerns intensified.

Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations authority reported that the crew of a container ship abandoned the vessel near Oman after a fire broke out following damage to its stern. Iranian media also reported U.S. strikes on multiple locations along the country’s southern coastline, including Bandar Abbas, Jask, Sirik, Chabahar, Kangan, Bandar Deyr, and Asaluyeh. Iranian officials later said no casualties had been reported in several affected areas.

The latest exchange marks another major escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides blaming each other for the deteriorating security situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.