The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that a new wave of strikes against Iran has begun on the orders of the US president.
According to CENTCOM, the operation was launched after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged commercial container ship.
CENTCOM claimed that one crew member went missing following the attack, while a fire broke out on board and severe damage to the engine room left the vessel unable to continue its voyage.
The US Central Command said Iran had previously been given opportunities to change its behaviour and honour the memorandum of understanding following earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but had failed to do so.
CENTCOM added that the latest strikes were being carried out under the direct orders of the US president.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported receiving information about a maritime incident approximately nine nautical miles east of Oman.
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC said a vessel attempted to pass through an unauthorised route, prompting warning shots to be fired.
The statement added that no vessel would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
The IRGC also warned that any attempt by its adversaries to use the incident as a pretext for military action would receive a strong response.
