Washington — The U.S. Central Command announced Tuesday that American forces have wrapped up a fresh round of military strikes against Iran, with more than 80 targets hit during the latest assault.
In addition to the new wave of strikes, Washington moved to revoke a license that had permitted Iran to sell oil on international markets. That decision followed attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, where projectiles struck the vessels.
The U.S. military released a statement describing what was targeted in the operation: “U.S. forces struck Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats in and near the strait (of Hormuz) to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international commerce flowing through the international trade corridor.”
The statement went on to say: “CENTCOM forces remain postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed.”
Iran’s top joint military command fired back, threatening a “crushing response” and accusing the United States of what it described as a “blatant act of aggression.” Iranian officials also warned that Tehran would not tolerate American interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
The broader conflict has left a ceasefire in a fragile state. The war began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Iran then responded with strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states that house American military bases.
The fighting — including U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon — has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people. The conflict has also driven oil prices sharply higher and rattled financial markets across the globe.
