US military escalates conflict with Iran, expanding airstrikes on military targets in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have once again escalated into open conflict. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced late Wednesday that airstrikes targeting military objectives in Iran have been expanded. Washington cited recent attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as the justification for the operations.
In a statement by CENTCOM, it was noted that Iran is targeting international maritime trade, stating, 'The United States holds Iran responsible for the recent attacks on commercial vessels and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.'
Chabahar and Bandar Abbas Targeted
According to initial reports from Iran, the strikes targeted the port control tower at Chabahar Port and the Imam Ali base belonging to the Revolutionary Guards. It was reported that the Shahid Beheshti Dock, modernized with contributions from India, and the Chabahar Police Pier were also affected by the attacks.
It was also claimed that strikes were carried out in Bandar Abbas, Konarak, Bushehr, Sirik, and on Qeshm Island.
Trump: 'This Was a Retaliation'
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the operations were conducted in response to Iran's attacks on commercial vessels. In a post on his social media account, Trump said, 'This is a retaliation for Iran's bombings of ships yesterday. If it happens again, it will have far worse consequences.'
Signal of Response from Iran
On Thursday morning local time, social media accounts close to Iran announced that counter-operations against U.S. and Israeli-linked targets had begun.
Security sources in the region assess that Iran is preparing to target strategic objectives in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for retaliation, as it has done previously.
Previous Operation Targeted 80 Objectives
The latest strikes followed an operation conducted by CENTCOM on Tuesday night, in which it was reported that 80 targets were hit. The U.S. military claimed that approximately 60 attack boats belonging to the Revolutionary Guards were also destroyed during the operation. Iran has not yet confirmed these claims.
Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on U.S. Bases
Following the operation on Tuesday, Iran conducted extensive missile and drone attacks on U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. It was reported that the U.S. 5th Fleet, located in the capital of Bahrain, Manama, was specifically targeted.
The U.S. military stated that all missiles and drones were neutralized and that no damage occurred during the attacks.
Ceasefire Effectively Ended
In his assessment on Wednesday, Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement signed just three weeks ago has now lost its validity.
'In my opinion, dealing with them is a waste of time,' Trump conveyed, signaling the end of the diplomatic process.
Experts believe that deep disagreements over the nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz have already made the ceasefire's longevity difficult. Developments in the region indicate an increased risk of broader military escalation in the Middle East.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
