WASHINGTON — The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran on Tuesday, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operation aims to further degrade Iranian capabilities used to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the strikes began at 3 p.m. Eastern Time and were followed an hour later by the resumption of the U.S. naval blockade.
“There are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” the command said in a statement.
Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump said no country should be allowed to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz after reversing an earlier proposal to charge a 20% toll on cargo using the strategic waterway.
Asked whether he regretted lifting the earlier naval blockade or granting sanctions waivers, Trump said he had sought to give diplomacy a chance.
“I gave them a chance. I wanted to give them a chance at making a deal … and they shot first, and that was a big mistake because we have been knocking the hell out of them,” he said.
The latest escalation comes as the United States and Iran continue exchanging military strikes over tensions surrounding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict and pave the way for a lasting peace agreement.
Source: Saudi Gazette