Tehran, July 8:
The United States launched a series of military strikes against Iran early Wednesday, escalating tensions in the Middle East after accusing Tehran of attacking three commercial vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command, the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as āunwarranted and dangerous aggressionā by Iran targeting commercial shipping.
The US said the attacks violated an existing ceasefire arrangement and warranted a strong military response.
US officials stated that the strikes targeted key Iranian military infrastructure, including air defence systems, coastal surveillance units, surface-to-air missile installations, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch sites.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported multiple explosions across southern parts of the country. Loud blasts were heard in the port city of Sirik, where several projectiles reportedly struck a commercial pier. Additional explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island.