WASHINGTON/TEHRAN, 08 July (H.S.):The United States military launched coordinated strikes on more than 80 targets across Iran following alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation in a statement posted on X, saying American forces completed a new wave of offensive operations against Iran on July 7 (local time).

According to CENTCOM, the strikes were carried out in response to Iran's latest attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said it employed precision-guided weapons to target more than 80 Iranian military sites.

CENTCOM stated that the operation targeted Iran's air defence systems, command-and-control networks, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to Gulf News, the United States has also imposed fresh sanctions on Iran following the attacks. Tehran has warned that it will retaliate against the American military action. Washington has revoked, with immediate effect, the sanctions waiver granted under the June 17 interim peace understanding that had allowed limited Iranian oil exports. The United States has also reimposed restrictions on Iranian oil exports following the attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes were launched while Iran was conducting funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities had earlier warned against any military action during the national mourning period. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and NATO leaders discussed security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz during meetings in Ankara. Khamenei's coffin has been taken to the Iraqi city of Najaf as part of the funeral procession.

According to Arab News, the latest escalation could further complicate negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28. US sanctions on Iranian oil have largely remained in place since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Following previous military confrontations involving the United States and Israel, Washington had temporarily eased restrictions on at least two occasions by permitting limited Iranian oil exports as part of diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Iraq for Tehran after receiving reports of the US military strikes. Iran's senior leadership is currently occupied with the funeral ceremonies of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. His mortal remains are in Najaf, Iraq, and he is scheduled to be laid to rest in Mashhad on Thursday.

According to a post by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB on X and a report by CNN, President Pezeshkian is returning to Tehran after attending the funeral ceremonies in Najaf. Khamenei's mortal remains arrived in the Iraqi city on Tuesday. Iran's official news agency IRNA reported that Pezeshkian left Najaf early Wednesday morning (local time) after completing his visit.

The President's return comes as Iran mourns its former Supreme Leader amid the ongoing military escalation. CENTCOM said Iran would pay a heavy price for attacking commercial vessels operating in international waters, adding that Tehran's actions represented a clear violation of the ceasefire understanding between the two countries.

According to Al Jazeera, explosions were reported in Sirik, Qeshm Island, and areas east and west of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iranian media reported that projectiles, believed to be missiles or rockets, struck commercial and fishing piers at Sirik Port.

Earlier on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department revoked the licence issued to Iran in June that had temporarily authorised limited oil-related activities.

Iran has accused the United States of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by cancelling the licence. The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the military strikes and describing Washington's actions as a breach of the agreement.

Separately, President Pezeshkian thanked the Iraqi government and its people for hosting the memorial ceremonies in honour of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He said the events reflected the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between Iran and Iraq and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar