The United States has launched a series of military strikes against Iran, breaking an existing ceasefire between the two nations. Iran reported explosions in the south of the country, with Iranian state television describing at least six blasts on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz.
United States Central Command said the operation was a response to Iranian attacks on three merchant vessels transiting the strait. A day earlier, Iranian forces fired rockets that struck and damaged at least two ships, causing significant damage but no casualties. The British maritime agency UKMTO reported a tanker near the Omani coast caught fire after being hit.
Centcom called Iran's actions unprovoked and a clear violation of the ceasefire. The strikes came hours after Washington reimposed sanctions on Tehran.