The United States has launched strikes against Iran in the early hours of July 8 following attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with explosions reported in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas amid ongoing operations targeting IRGC-linked sites.
In a statement posted on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were carried out in response to Iran’s reported attacks on commercial shipping in the international waterway.
CENTCOM said, “US Central Command forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”
The military added that the operation was launched after Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”
CENTCOM described Iran’s actions as a violation of the ceasefire.
“Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”
The strikes were reported to be targeting IRGC-linked sites, while explosions were reported in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas. No additional details about the operation or damage were immediately released.