US Claims Strikes on Over 80 Iranian Targets in Retaliation for Hormuz Attacks

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States military claims to have conducted a new series of retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting more than 80 objectives.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Tuesday night (7/7) that the action was a response to the latest Iranian attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In its statement, CENTCOM targeted Iranian air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile system capabilities, as well as more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within and around the Strait of Hormuz.

“As a direct response to the latest Iranian attacks on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” according to the CENTCOM statement.

The military operation aims to weaken Iran’s ability to continue attacking international trade through this vital global trade corridor, according to CENTCOM.

“CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to hold Iran accountable if agreements (ceasefire) are not respected,” the statement added.

Previously, on Tuesday (7/7), Qatar summoned the Iranian deputy ambassador in Doha to protest Iran’s attack on the Qatari vessel, Al Rekayyat, near the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to this, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied Qatar’s allegations. Baghaei emphasised that his side remains committed to ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Ships using routes that are not coordinated with Iranian authorities will face risks and disrupt the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran to facilitate safe traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” said Baghaei.

Meanwhile, IRIB reported that a Qatari oil tanker, attempting to traverse the Oman route through the Strait of Hormuz under US Navy escort, became a target after ignoring repeated warnings from Iranian forces.