U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Tensions Escalate Near the Strait of Hormuz

Explosions were reported Wednesday evening near the Strait of Hormuz and in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch additional military action against Tehran.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed the strikes, issuing an official statement:

"By order of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have begun conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade its ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States holds Iran responsible for the recent unprovoked aggression against commercial vessels and civilian crews operating freely through this vital international waterway."

According to initial reports, U.S. forces targeted sites in the Bandar Abbas area in southern Iran. At the same time, explosions were also reported near the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic through the strategically important shipping route reportedly came to a halt once again following the latest escalation.

The strikes came against the backdrop of Trump's remarks earlier in the day, in which he said the United States would likely strike Iran "with force" later that night. His comments followed another exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran, with each side accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreement reached approximately three weeks ago.

In response to the latest developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a high level security consultation on Wednesday evening. Israeli officials currently assess that the confrontation is likely to remain centered in the Gulf region for the time being, although the defense establishment is also preparing for the possibility that the conflict could expand to include Israel.

Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump questioned whether the understandings reached between Washington and Tehran were still valid.

"I think the memorandum of understanding with Iran has come to an end," he said.

He later intensified his criticism of the Iranian regime, declaring, "I don't want to do business with them. They are sick people."

"They are liars, cheats, and sick people," Trump added. "You make a deal with them, and then they walk out and do the exact opposite."