The US military announced on the 12th that it had launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran, emphasizing that the goal of this move is to "continuously weaken" Tehran's ability to attack commercial ships exercising freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command stated in a social media announcement that the US military began conducting further airstrikes against Iran starting at 5 p.m. Eastern Time today (5 a.m. local Malaysia time on the 13th).
According to Iranian media reports, missile attacks and explosions occurred around Bandar Abbas. The area, located along the strait near Qeshm Island, contains military facilities.
Earlier, Iran responded by attacking Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, further heightening regional tensions. Negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending the war are now on the verge of collapse.
In addition, a notice issued by the US-led Joint Maritime Information Center on the 12th stated that although Iran claims the Strait of Hormuz is closed, the southern channel near the Oman side remains usable and is open for two-way navigation.
The notice said that the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains at "severe."