U.S. strikes Iranian targets near Hormuz

According to U.S. media reports on Sunday evening, the U.S. military launched a series of strikes against Iranian military sites and systems in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.

The news outlet Axios, citing a U.S. official, reported that the strikes targeted missile and air defense systems, as well as fast boats belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), at two locations near the strait.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the operation was carried out in response to an attack on a Cyprus-flagged civilian container ship while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire on board, severely damaged the engine room, and left one crew member missing.

CENTCOM said the strikes were ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump and targeted around 140 military objectives, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots, communications facilities, and logistical support positions.

Iranian media reported that between 10 and 11 projectiles struck Iran's Qeshm Island. The island's governor, Hossein Amir Teymouri, stated that all the targets were military in nature and confirmed that no casualties had been reported.

The escalation comes amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf and growing concerns over the security of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime routes for global energy transport.

ANHA