The United States conducted substantial airstrikes against Iran early Sunday morning, hitting approximately 140 targets including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition dumps, and communication equipment. This action was a direct response to an Iranian strike on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which caused significant engine room damage and an onboard fire, leading to one crew member being reported missing. The US Central Command stated these strikes, heavier than previous ones, aimed to diminish Iran's capacity to threaten civilian shipping.
Following the US airstrikes, Iran retaliated by launching attacks on several countries in the Middle East that host US military forces, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. Qatar reported three wounded from shrapnel after intercepting Iranian fire, while Jordan experienced minor damage. Iran also declared the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice," citing the targeted vessel's use of an "unapproved route." This move came after the US had demanded Iran publicly commit to stopping ship attacks and ensuring all shipping lanes in the Strait remain open without tolls.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway previously handling about a fifth of global traded oil and natural gas, has been a central point of contention since a war began on February 28. Repeated clashes in the Strait have imperiled ongoing negotiations for a permanent peace, despite an interim ceasefire agreed upon on June 17 by Iran and the US. Iran's attempts to control transit through the Strait, including intercepting vessels that "disregarded warnings," have been met with US insistence on freedom of navigation.
