The United States launched a series of powerful retaliatory strikes against Iran, hitting more than 90 military targets in and around the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on three commercial oil tankers. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the operation on Tuesday, stating the strikes targeted air defense systems, radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and over 60 small boats used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) [1][2]. The conflict has reignited tensions in a critical global chokepoint that carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil and gas exports [2][3].
The escalation began after Iran attacked three tankers attempting to transit the strait, an act the U.S. military condemned as a "clear violation of the ceasefire" extended between the two nations [1][2]. In response to the attacks and to impose heavy costs, the Trump administration also revoked a sanctions waiver that had previously allowed Iran to sell oil and petrochemicals, cutting off a significant revenue source negotiated during recent talks [1][2]. A U.S. official stated that Iran's actions in the Strait were "wholly unacceptable" and would be met with consequences [1].
While the initial U.S. strikes focused on maritime assets, the latest operation expanded to include Iranian land-based infrastructure, marking the first time since the April 8 ceasefire that U.S. forces have targeted Iranian mainland facilities [1]. Iran's state broadcaster reported that a railway bridge in the Golestan province was struck, and air defense systems and missile storage depots were hit across the southern military hubs [1]. Iran has warned tankers to use approved routes or face a "forceful response," asserting domestic control over the passage and the right to levy transit fees, a stance that directly clashes with U.S. demands for unrestricted freedom of navigation under maritime law [2][3].
Iran retaliated immediately by firing missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait, though U.S. officials confirmed that all projectiles were intercepted or caused no major damage, and no U.S. service members were injured [
