A new wave of tension is unfolding in Central Asia and the Middle East. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched a large-scale military operation, delivering a series of powerful airstrikes on Iranian territory. The official statement from the US side came amid reports of explosions in southern Iranian port cities.
Reason for Escalation: Attacks on Commercial Vessels
According to CENTCOM, the military action is a direct response to Tehran's activities in international waters. The trigger for the strikes was three attacks by Iranian forces on commercial vessels passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The command's statement emphasizes that the operation aims to inflict significant damage on facilities involved in attacks on civilian ships carrying peaceful crews.
The US side has deemed Iran's actions unjustified and a direct threat to maritime security. Furthermore, Washington considered these incidents a gross violation of the ceasefire regime.
Strike Targets and Scale of Operation
According to information obtained by Axios journalist Barak Ravid from a US official, the airstrikes were concentrated in the area of the Strait of Hormuz. The list of targets included critically important military facilities:
- air defense systems;
- coastal surveillance complexes;
- surface-to-air missile systems;
- anti-ship cruise missile positions;
- drone launch sites;
- elements of port infrastructure.
The source claims that the current US operation is four to five times larger in scale than the strikes delivered in this region just ten days ago.
Explosion Sounds in Port Cities
Shortly before the official confirmation from the US, media reported a series of powerful explosions in southern Iran. According to eyewitnesses, the sounds were heard in the Bandar Sirik port area. Later, state Iranian media confirmed the information about the explosions, identifying the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as Kish Island, as the zones of impact.
Risk of New Escalation and Economic Pressure
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that, according to CNN, the US military operation is not yet over. A US official stated that the strikes will continue for "some time," and Washington's goal is not just a proportional response, but to punish Iran.
Experts note that the exchange of fire creates a serious risk of a new wave of escalation between the two countries and jeopardizes the memorandum of understanding signed less than three weeks ago with the mediation of President Donald Trump.
On the eve of the incidents, the US cancelled sanction exemptions that allowed Iran to export oil. This decision followed attacks on commercial vessels and is expected to significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. In response to the cancellation of concessions, Iran accused Washington of violating the terms of the previously signed memorandum.
