Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply after the U.S. military said it had carried out strikes against Iran to further degrade Tehran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Washington of creating challenges in the strategic waterway and said Iran would protect its interests. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, making any military escalation in the area a major concern for global markets.
Iranian state and local media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Abbas, Bushehr province and Abu Musa Island. Bandar Abbas is home to key Iranian naval facilities, while Bushehr is an important coastal province on the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister said recent U.S. actions would “not stay without response,” according to state media. Iranian media also cited a military source as saying that Iran’s armed forces were preparing to launch a “massive” attack on U.S. military bases in the region shortly.
A U.S. official told American media that ongoing strikes against Iran were expected to be larger than those carried out on Tuesday, indicating that Washington’s military campaign could intensify further.
