The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported this Tuesday the launch of a series of high-intensity attacks against targets in Iran, in reaction to recent Iranian "aggression" against several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which represents a new escalation of tension in this strategic maritime route.
"United States Central Command forces have begun launching a series of strong attacks against Iran to impose a high cost for attacking and endangering commercial vessels manned by innocent civilians in an international waterway," the U.S. military reported in a message disseminated on social media.
It also states that these actions are "a response to Iranian aggression against three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz." "The aggression demonstrated by Iran was unjustified, dangerous, and constituted a clear violation of the ceasefire," CENTCOM added.
The escalation intensified this Tuesday following the attack on the Qatari vessel 'Al Rekayyat' as it was sailing in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. Doha authorities have held Iran responsible for this incident, emphasizing that it is an "unacceptable attack on the security of international maritime navigation, the security of global energy supply, and a grave and manifest violation of International Law."