U.S. military: We have launched a new attack on Iran

A new development has shaken the ceasefire process between the United States and Iran.

U.S. Central Command announced that it had launched “a powerful series of strikes” against Iran, citing attacks on three commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation was said to have been carried out in retaliation on the grounds that Iran targeted three commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In its statement, CENTCOM said the attacks in question were “an unjustified, dangerous act that clearly violates the ceasefire.”

TENSIONS ESCALATED IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

U.S. Central Command announced that the military operation against Iran was launched after developments around the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement alleged that Iran attacked three commercial vessels passing through the international waterway. It was reported that U.S. forces had launched “a powerful series of strikes” against Iran.

In the statement issued by CENTCOM, it was emphasized that the strikes were carried out to make Iran “pay a heavy price” for actions targeting commercial vessels.

The Iranian side, however, said the attacks amounted to a violation of the ceasefire.

IRANIAN MEDIA CONFIRMED THE ATTACKS

Iranian media confirmed the U.S. attacks, reporting that explosion sounds were heard near the city of Sirik in the country’s south and Qeshm Island.

It was also reported that explosions occurred to the east and west of the city of Bandar Abbas.

Images shared on social media showed flames and smoke rising from some areas.

CEASEFIRE PROCESS PUT AT RISK

After the agreement reached between the United States and Iran on June 14, the parties were expected to conduct negotiations for 60 days.

During this process, the lifting of sanctions, the status of the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear warheads were planned to be discussed.

TALKS HAD STALLED

No result had come from the talks held between the parties in Switzerland on June 21.

Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, the failure to release Iran’s frozen assets and disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz had brought the process to an impasse.

CRITICAL CONTACTS HAD BEEN HELD IN DOHA

After rising military tension around the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. and Iranian delegations held separate meetings with Qatari officials in Doha on July 1.

However, with the latest attack announcement, the future of the fragile ceasefire between the two countries has once again become uncertain.

REGION WATCHES FOR NEW MOVES

The U.S. announcement of attacks against Iran has brought the possibility of a new wave of tension in the Middle East onto the agenda.

News Source: 12punto