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

The United States military has claimed it carried out a series of new retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting more than 80 sites. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Tuesday evening that the action was in direct response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in and around the Strait. CENTCOM said the operation was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international trade through the strategic corridor. The command added that its forces remain vigilant and ready to hold Iran accountable if agreements are not upheld. Earlier on Tuesday, Qatar summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador in Doha to protest an Iranian attack on the Qatari-owned vessel Al Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denied the allegations, reiterating Iran’s commitment to ensuring safe navigation in the Strait. He warned that vessels using routes not coordinated with Iranian authorities would face risks and disrupt Iran’s efforts to facilitate safe maritime traffic. Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that a Qatari oil tanker attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via an Omani route under US Navy escort was targeted after ignoring repeated warnings from Iranian forces.