The United States has carried out a new wave of offensive strikes against Iran, targeting dozens of military sites in an effort to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
According to CENTCOM, the operation hit “dozens of targets at multiple locations with precision munitions,” including Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, and small naval vessels.
The strikes involved fighter aircraft, naval warships, one-way attack drones and, for the first time, one-way attack sea drones, marking a new element in the US campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the waterway, CENTCOM said: “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it.”
The command added that US forces remain prepared to protect commercial shipping.
“US forces are postured and prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,” the statement said.
The latest strikes come amid escalating military exchanges between Washington and Tehran over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.