In brief
The United States carried out a new wave of strikes against Iranian targets in the south, including Sirik and Bandar Abbas, following President Trump’s scathing remarks. U.S. Central Command said the campaign aimed to further degrade Tehran’s ability to threaten free navigation in the vital waterway. Iranian officials warned of an immediate response, but have yet to comment publicly. The exchange marks the harshest flare‑up since the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding was signed in June, and Trump insists the ceasefire is over. The situation risks a broader flare‑up amid ongoing sanctions and negotiating dead‑ends.
US launches new wave of strikes against Iran after “hit them hard” vow
By Matt Spivey
The United States has launched a fresh round of strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump signalled he would "hit them hard" again this evening, following an overnight exchange of attacks that began on Tuesday.
Explosions were reported by Iranian state media in southern regions, notably Sirik and Bandar Abbas—port cities on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the strikes were aimed at “further degrading Tehran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation” through the vital waterway.
Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. attack would be met with an “immediate response,” but the government has not yet issued a formal statement.
Centcom added that the United States is holding Iran accountable for “recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. military said it had launched “powerful” strikes in retaliation for attacks on three tanker vessels in the strait.
The back‑and‑forth has been the most severe exchange of combat between the U.S. and Iran since the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concluded on 17 June.
Trump claimed the ceasefire agreement signed last month with Iran was “over”, and said the U.S. had “hit them very hard last night” and would likely strike again tonight.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X: “We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour.”
The MoU outlined 14 points, including a 60‑day ceasefire period during which negotiations would continue, assurances for safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and plans for the U.S. to lift sanctions on Iran.
The 60‑day negotiation window has not yet expired, yet Trump has dismissed further talks as a “waste of time.”
