The US has launched a fresh round of strikes on Iran targeting forces in the Strait of Hormuz, as the two countries remain locked in a bitter conflict following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement
The US has executed its latest series of strikes in a bid to “hold Iranian forces accountable”.
This recent development further dwindles the prospects of a peace agreement between the two nations, who have been embroiled in intermittent conflict for several months.
On Sunday evening, July 12, the US Central Command announced that it had initiated attacks aimed at undermining Iran’s capacity to target ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, CENTCOM stated: “At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Commander in Chief has directed the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable.”
These strikes represent the most recent episode of conflict since the war commenced on February 28, with joint US-Israeli attacks targeting several crucial Iranian sites.
In response, Iran shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz trade route, which facilitates the passage of 20% of all globally traded oil.
Earlier on Sunday, the US launched strikes on over 100 locations in Iran following a missile attack on a vessel in the strait.
The crew of the container ship was compelled to evacuate while the vessel was engulfed in flames, as Iran conducted strikes on targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
CENTCOM revealed it had struck approximately 140 targets, focusing on missile and drone launch sites, ammunition stores and communication equipment.
The ceasefire agreement fell apart last week, following Iran’s assault on ships.
US President Donald Trump announced last Tuesday that the deal was off, in response to Tehran’s missile attacks on three gas and oil vessels in the Strait of Hormuz at the beginning of the week.