Iran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced it has struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz after the US military initiated a new series of strikes on Iran.
According to Ghana Web, the US Central Command (Centcom) described these actions as "self-defense strikes" in reaction to what it called Iran's "unwarranted and continued aggression."
Following the US actions, Iran claimed to have struck two vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as reported by state media. This development adds to a series of military and surveillance targets being hit by both nations, escalating the tit-for-tat airstrikes despite a fragile ceasefire that had been established in April. Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island in the Gulf, as well as in cities like Bandar Abbas and Sirik.
In response to the US strikes, Iran's military leadership issued a warning that all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships traversing through Hormuz, would be attacked. The IRGC navy confirmed it had targeted two oil tankers for what it termed "illegal passage" through the strait.
Prior to the latest US attack, President Donald Trump had stated on Truth Social that the US had "hit them hard yesterday and we're going to hit them hard again today," criticizing Iranian leaders for taking "too long to negotiate a deal." Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign ministry accused the US of hindering the diplomatic process with contradictory messages.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to Trump's comments, asserting that Iran "will stand firm against any pressure or threat." US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's sentiments, indicating that bombs would target key facilities in Iran if no peace agreement could be reached.
The ceasefire agreed upon in April between the US and Iran was originally intended to last two weeks, but intermittent exchanges of fire have continued without escalating into full-scale hostilities. Efforts to negotiate between Washington and Tehran have stalled, leading to an increase in attacks. On Tuesday, a US helicopter was downed in an attack attributed to Iran, prompting the IRGC to target US bases throughout the Middle East.