Tensions between the United States and Iran reached a new level overnight with the start of a series of American attacks against Iranian military targets located near the Strait of Hormuz.
As reported by Axios, citing an American source, US military operations officially began in the last few hours. At the same time, Iranian sources reported by the Israeli website Ynet reported explosions heard on the island of Kish, in the Persian Gulf. Pentagon sources, cited by the Wall Street Journal, specified that all the targets hit were near the Strait of Hormuz.
The raids reportedly targeted radar locations, air defense systems and communications and surveillance infrastructure considered crucial to Iranian operational capabilities in the region. US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the completion of the operations, calling them “self-defense attacks” against several Iranian targets.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that if there is an agreement the attacks will “soon end”. In an interview with Fox News, the president said Iranian officials would contact the White House directly to ask for the bombing to stop. Trump also revealed that he personally spoke with representatives of Tehran while in the Situation Room, the White House command center used during international crises.
On the maritime shipping front, Washington has denied Iranian claims that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to commercial traffic. Centcom said merchant ships continue to transit regularly in and out of the strategic passage.