The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran on the orders of President Donald Trump, with the US military saying the operations are aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces were targeting threats to international shipping in the strategic waterway.
The command said the strikes were intended to counter capabilities that could endanger maritime traffic and ensure the continued freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 8, 2026
CENTCOM further alleged that Iran had carried out unprovoked attacks on commercial vessels, describing the latest military action as a response to those incidents.
It added that operations would continue to safeguard international maritime routes and deter further aggression.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported multiple explosions in southern Iran, with blasts heard in the port city of Bandar Abbas, the city of Sirik and several locations across Hormozgan province.
According to Iranian reports, the country’s air defence systems intercepted attacks near Bandar Abbas.
However, no immediate details were available regarding the nature of the explosions or any casualties or damage.
The developments mark a further escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of the latest military actions.
Read also: Trump declares Iran ceasefire ‘over’ amid US-Iran military strikes
