US Strikes Iran in New Wave Targeting Hormuz Shipping Capacity

The US military launched new strikes on Iran targeting its ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian state media reporting explosions in multiple southern locations including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask and Qeshm Island. The escalation followed Iran strikes on a commercial ship in the waterway.

US Launches New Wave of Strikes on Iran

CENTCOM stated the strikes began at 2100 GMT on Sunday following a presidential order from Donald Trump and came after an Iranian attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The US military on Sunday said it had launched a new wave of attacks against Iran, after renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz saw several of Washington's Gulf allies targeted by incoming fire. [3] The latest salvo by US forces began at 2100 GMT on Sunday, Central Command said on X, after earlier announcing approximately 140 strikes the previous night. [3] CENTCOM explained that the operation aimed to weaken Iran's capacity to strike civilian vessels and commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The announcement noted that the order came from President Donald Trump to hold Iranian forces accountable. [2]

Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran

Iranian state media reported explosions in port cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Jask, as well as Qeshm Island. [5] Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask and on Qeshm, as well as in Khuzestan province. [3] Reports indicated at least 10 projectiles hitting Qeshm Island. [3] Strikes on Farur Island were also reported. [3] Iranian officials reported at least 10 projectiles hitting Qeshm Island and strikes on Farur Island. [2] A separate US strike hit a water pumping station in southwest Iran. [1]

Casualties from Strikes on Both Sides

Iranian officials reported strikes on Farur Island that killed a telecommunications worker and wounded two others. [3] A separate US strike hit a water pumping station in southwest Iran killing one and injuring four. [1] An Iranian official says the attack targeted an agricultural water facility in Mahshahr. [1] Kuwait reported one injury from the attacks. [3]

Iranian Attacks on Gulf Neighbors

Iran responded with attacks on US allies including Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman. [3] Kuwait reported damage to border posts, an offshore oil platform and one injury. [3] Kuwait said three of its land border posts in the north were damaged in an attack, and that an offshore drilling platform was targeted by a hostile drone. [3] Jordan said three Iranian missiles fell inside the kingdom. [3] Iran's Guards said they also hit Oman. [3] Muscat summoned the Iranian ambassador and handed him a formal protest. [3]

Strait of Hormuz at Center of Escalation

The renewed fighting followed an Iranian attack early Sunday on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whose crew was forced to abandon it after it went up in flames. [3] Iran's Revolutionary Guards said after the incident that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this region. [3] CENTCOM countered on X that the strait was open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit. [3] It said US forces were positioned and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation, adding that Iran does not control the strait and traffic is flowing. [3] Iran's foreign ministry said the US attacks on Sunday had caused the return of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and have rendered futile all efforts at establishing peace in the region. [3] An adviser to Iran's supreme leader on Sunday said the waterway was more important than dozens of atomic bombs. [3]

Market Reaction and International Calls for Calm

The strikes undermine an interim ceasefire agreement, caused oil prices to rise more than 3 percent with WTI jumping above $74 a barrel. [3] Oil prices, which have tumbled since the announcement of the agreement, rose over 3.5 percent when futures trading opened Monday in Tokyo, with the US benchmark WTI jumping above $74 a barrel. [3] Brent crude climbed more than 3 percent to $78.50 a barrel. [4] UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for all attacks to stop. [3] Iran's foreign ministry condemned the US action as rendering peace efforts futile and claimed its own strikes on Gulf targets were legitimate self-defense. [2] The top diplomat for Pakistan, which has been mediating, called for de-escalation on Sunday during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart. [3] Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace, said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. [3]

What to watch next: Mediators have been trying to salvage a diplomatic solution after President Donald Trump this week declared a ceasefire over, while the top diplomat for Pakistan called for de-escalation during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart.