US Israel Iran War Latest News: The United States launched a third wave of military strikes against Iran on Sunday after Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following an incident involving a commercial vessel. The latest military action has further escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, putting the fragile ceasefire reached last month under renewed strain.
Fresh US Strikes Rock Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Chabahar
Fresh explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Chabahar after the United States launched a new round of military strikes on Iran, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The operation, described by the US as its third wave of strikes this week, came hours after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following an incident involving a commercial vessel, adding fresh uncertainty to the already fragile ceasefire between the two countries.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: How Did the Latest Escalation Begin?
The latest crisis began after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed following an incident involving a commercial vessel. According to Iranian authorities, a ship travelling through what they described as an “unauthorised route” was fired upon with warning shots. Tehran later declared that the strategically important waterway would remain closed until further notice.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and a vital route for global oil and natural gas exports. The closure immediately raised concerns over international trade and regional security.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: US Warned of Military Response
Before the latest operation, US officials had warned that any further attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger military retaliation. Officials said, “If they keep on shooting at ships… we’re going to hit ’em back.” The United States has repeatedly stated that protecting commercial shipping remains one of its top priorities in the region.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: US Launches Third Round of Strikes
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the military operation began at 7:15 p.m. Washington time (2315 GMT) on the orders of President Donald Trump.
The US said the strikes were launched after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly “blatantly attacked” a Cyprus-flagged container ship travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM described the operation as the third round of US strikes this week, saying Washington was imposing a “heavy cost” on Iran by weakening its ability to threaten civilian sailors and commercial vessels using the strategic waterway.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Pete Hegseth Issues Warning
Soon after the operation began, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a brief warning on X. He wrote, “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.” His statement came shortly after CENTCOM confirmed the latest military action.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: What Did the US Target?
According to Axios, citing a US official, American forces targeted several parts of Iran’s anti-ship military infrastructure. The reported targets included air surveillance radars, surface surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers. Officials said the objective was to weaken every major component of Iran’s anti-ship capability, including systems used to detect ships, launch attacks and defend military positions.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
As the strikes unfolded, Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Chabahar. Additional reports said blasts were also heard in Asaluyeh, Bushehr, and Bandar-e-Jask, where at least 10 large explosions were reported. There were also unconfirmed reports of air defence activity over Tehran. Asaluyeh, home to the South Pars gas field, is one of Iran’s most important energy hubs.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Diplomatic Talks Continue
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts have not stopped. According to reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is returning from Oman with a proposal aimed at managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The reported proposal would divide shipping into two corridors. The southern route would remain open for international vessels, while ships using the northern corridor would require Iran’s approval. Reports also said vessels would not have to pay transit fees.
Senior US officials have maintained that negotiations to strengthen last month’s ceasefire cannot move forward unless commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed.
