Risk of escalating conflict in West Asia; US bombs Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas; Iran rocked by explosions.

New Delhi. Terming the attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier as unacceptable, the US had warned Iran of serious consequences. These attacks in Hormuz have reignited the flames of war in West Asia. The US has resumed airstrikes against Iran, with the US military targeting Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik.

According to Iranian media, loud explosions were heard on Qeshm Island and in Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iranian state media also reported the sound of seven explosions in Sirik. Iran’s state-run channel, Press TV, reported multiple blasts in the southern port city of Sirik; six projectiles landed in the Taherui Pier area of ​​Sirik.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the strikes. CENTCOM stated on the social media platform X that military strikes against Iran have commenced. CENTCOM cited the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as the reason for these operations, noting that the strikes are a response to Iranian attacks on three ships passing through the strait.

CENTCOM described the Iranian attacks on the vessels as unjustified, dangerous, and a violation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry termed the US strikes a violation of the provisions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and held the US government responsible for the action.

Iran has stated that it will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and ensure national security. Notably, following the attacks on the ships in Hormuz, the US Department of the Treasury had revoked the general license previously issued for the production and sale of Iranian oil.