U.S. Central Command Announces Military Strikes on Iran

U.S. Central Command announced the start of military strikes against Iranian targets today, claiming to undermine Tehran's ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The command said in a statement that the strikes are being carried out in accordance with directives from the commander-in-chief to hold Iranian forces accountable, aiming to limit their military capabilities that threaten international navigation security.

It did not clarify details of the targets or potential casualties, while Iranian sources reported explosions in the cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry considered the U.S. attacks as thwarting diplomatic efforts made to reduce tension, blaming Washington for the new escalation.

This comes after the collapse of the de-escalation path sponsored by Oman and Qatar, and mutual accusations between the sides regarding violation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Iranian Foreign Ministry: 'The U.S. attacks thwarted all efforts made over the past months to reduce tension.'

Background of the escalation was that Washington had demanded Iran guarantee freedom of navigation in the strait, while Tehran affirmed that management of the waterway is conducted in coordination with Oman, and any future arrangements are subject to dialogue between the two coastal states.

The region witnesses warnings of the repercussions of any military confrontation on global energy markets.