Washington, DC: The United States launched its largest military operation against Iran since the April ceasefire, carrying out a sweeping wave of airstrikes targeting more than 80 military sites across southern Iran following renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to US officials, the latest operation was significantly larger than the retaliatory strikes carried out at the end of June, marking a sharp escalation that threatens to unravel the fragile memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran less than three weeks ago.
Largest US Offensive Since Ceasefire
A US official told Axios that the latest strikes were “four or five times bigger in scope and power” than the previous round of attacks and were expected to continue for several hours. The operation reportedly began while millions of Iranians were participating in funeral processions for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Officials said President Donald Trump approved the military action while attending the NATO summit in Turkey.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck more than 80 targets using precision-guided munitions in what it described as an immediate response to Iran’s latest attacks on commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Military Infrastructure Targeted
CENTCOM said the strikes focused on degrading Iran’s ability to threaten one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
The targets included Iranian air defense systems, command-and-control facilities, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile sites, drone launch facilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats, port infrastructure and coastal surveillance systems.
Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and on Qeshm Island. Local reports said at least six explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, between seven and nine in Sirik, and around 10 in Bandar Abbas.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the latest operation targeted roughly eight times more locations than the previous strikes, adding that Washington was “turning up the volume” after concluding that Tehran had failed to change its behavior.
Another US official told CNN the strikes were intended as “punishment” for attacks on commercial vessels near the strategic waterway.
Shipping Attacks Triggered US Response
The latest escalation follows attacks on three commercial tankers operating near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas typically passes during peacetime.
One tanker caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Two other vessels sustained damage but continued their voyages without reported injuries.
Iranian state television claimed one liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after allegedly ignoring Iranian warnings but stopped short of claiming responsibility.
The US has since revoked a temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian oil exports, increasing economic pressure on Tehran alongside the military campaign.
Iran Condemns Strikes, Threatens Retaliation
Iran’s Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters condemned the U.S. strikes as a “blatant act of aggression,” saying they were carried out while funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were underway.
The Iranian military warned it would deliver a “crushing response” and reiterated that it would not permit outside interference in the Strait of Hormuz.
“It is reiterated that the only safe passage for commercial ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is the route designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the military said.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused Washington of violating the recently signed MoU, while the Foreign Ministry said the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences of what it described as a breach of commitments.
Tehran also dismissed allegations linking it to the recent attacks on commercial vessels, calling the accusations questionable.
Update on Diplomatic Talks
The latest military escalation has cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Officials indicated that negotiations are unlikely to resume until after the burial of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Iranian strikes on Feb. 28.
The renewed hostilities have fueled concerns that both countries could enter another cycle of military retaliation, jeopardising hopes for preserving the ceasefire framework established earlier this year.
Iranian President Returns to Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian cut short his visit to Iraq following the U.S. strikes and is returning to Tehran, according to state broadcaster IRIB.
Pezeshkian had traveled to the Iraqi city of Najaf to attend funeral ceremonies for Khamenei and was also expected to hold meetings with senior Iraqi officials.
The funeral procession is scheduled to continue through Najaf and Karbala before Khamenei’s remains are transported to Mashhad for burial on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly during the ceremonies. Iranian media reports suggest he remains out of public view after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father.
