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US Launches Additional Strikes on Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Threats, Centcom Says

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The US Central Command said on Wednesday that it has launched additional strikes against Iran, acting per President Trump's instructions, according to an X post.

"At the direction of the Commander in Chief, US Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the post read.

Centcom said it held Iran responsible for the recent attacks on commercial ships transiting the strait.

"The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway," the post read.

In a separate post earlier on Wednesday, Centcom said over 20 US naval warships were deployed, and were "patrolling waters across the Middle East as Centcom forces continue promoting regional security and stability."

Explosions were heard in Iran's Bushehr province, according to multiple media reports on Wednesday. The development marks the second consecutive day that the US has launched strikes against Iran.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to' request for comment.

During remarks at the Nato Summit earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that the US would strike Iran "very hard" on Wednesday night.

Additionally, Vice President J D Vance warned Iran of retaliation during a news briefing on Wednesday.

"The basic deal that we cut was 'we'll lift our blockade if you stop shooting at ships, but if you shoot at ships, we are going to punch back, and we're going to punch back harder than ever before'," Vance said.

Oil markets remained firmly higher amid the latest US-Iran developments, with Brent crude climbing 6.73% to $79.15 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate gaining 6.02% to $74.68/bbl.

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