US Launches Second Night of Strikes Against Iran After Drone Incident

US Launches Strikes Against Iran for Second Consecutive Day

The United States has launched strikes against Iranian military targets for the second consecutive day, citing an attack on a commercial vessel as the motivation. The attacks occurred in response to what US Central Command (CENTCOM) described as “continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.”

According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities. Explosions were reported in southern Iran around the village of Tahrui, near the port of Sirik.

On Saturday morning, a Panama-flagged tanker, Kiku, was reportedly hit by an unidentified projectile while traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. No crew members were injured, and no leakage was reported from its cargo. The ship had been carrying over 2 million barrels of crude oil when it was struck.

The attacks follow a similar sequence of events that prompted Friday’s US strikes. A Singapore-registered container ship, Ever Lovely, was also struck by a drone as it sailed through the Hormuz Strait on Thursday. No one on board was injured, and the boat continued on its travels.

CENTCOM stated that Iran had been given a chance to honor the June 17 memorandum of understanding (MOU), which established a regional Middle East ceasefire. However, CENTCOM maintained that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would continue with US military backing. “US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” the statement read.

The latest round of fighting centers on control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for maritime traffic. The strait is a crucial waterway for oil supply, fertiliser, and natural gas transportation.

Source: Al Jazeera