US launches fresh strikes on Iran near Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran exchanged retaliatory strikes on Tuesday, raising fears that the ongoing conflict may be resuming after a period of relative calm. Iranian media reported several strikes near Bandar Abbas, on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, early on Wednesday. Additionally, local officials confirmed a strike in Sirik that resulted in at least four casualties, including a child at a wedding. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed that Iran would impart "unforgettable lessons" to the American enemy.

In response, US Central Command announced that their forces targeted targets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes were reported to be in retaliation for recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members stationed in the region. US President Donald Trump emphasized that the strikes were a response to Iran's failed attempts to place sea mines in the strait and the downing of eight Iranian missiles at a US military base in Jordan.

Trump warned that further retaliation from Iran would be met with a more severe response, hinting at a "biggest attack" that would leave Iran weakened.

Following the strikes, Iran's semi-official news agency, Mehr, reported that the IRGC had retaliated with a "regrettable response." The agency released footage purportedly showing ballistic missiles being launched towards US military positions in Jordan. However, Centcom did not confirm the alleged strike at a wedding. Tensions between the US and Iran had been simmering for several weeks, with intermittent discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The US had focused on economically pressuring Iran through new sanctions, with more likely to follow.