The United States hit Iran with dozens of strikes early on Wednesday. Washington called it payback for Iran’s attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The move sparked fears of a wider war across the Middle East.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck over 80 targets inside Iran. The strikes came hours after Iran hit three commercial tankers passing through the strait.
The targeted vessels were the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi-flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. All three sailed near the coast of Oman.
CENTCOM said it destroyed Iranian air defenses, radar sites, and anti-ship missile systems. It also hit more than 60 IRGC small boats near the strait.
This latest Strait of Hormuz News marks the largest US attack since April. It also came during the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hit back fast. It said it struck 85 US military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Sirens rang out in both countries early Wednesday.
The IRGC claimed it downed an MQ-9 drone during the operation. One of its own members was killed by “enemy drones.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the US strikes a “gross violation” of the peace deal. It said Iran would defend its territory under the UN Charter.
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkiye. He said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran was “over.”
He may let negotiators keep talking. But he called the talks a “waste of time.” He also used harsh words against Iran’s leaders.
The US then reimposed oil sanctions on Iran. During the war, Trump had waived those sanctions to ease an energy crisis. Now new oil sales face fresh penalties. The fresh Strait of Hormuz News shook global markets. Brent crude jumped 6 percent to $78 a barrel. European stocks dropped 1.6 percent.
The dollar gained strength, and bond yields rose. Investors worried about a new spike in inflation.
As regional tensions continue to rise, the political landscape in Gaza is also undergoing major changes. Read our detailed report on Hamas announces dissolution of its government in Gaza to understand how the latest developments could impact the broader Middle East crisis.
