BREAKING: U.S. launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets, denies casualty claims

International, Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — The United States has launched another round of military strikes against targets inside Iran as tensions continue to escalate following the collapse of the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

The latest operation, carried out by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), is aimed at further degrading Iran’s military capabilities and preventing attacks on civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on Sunday, CENTCOM said the strikes commenced at 5 p.m. ET on the orders of the Commander-in-Chief.

“At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching more strikes against Iran to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Commander in Chief has directed the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable,” the statement said.

CENTCOM said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important maritime trade routes.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military dismissed reports circulating on Iranian media and social media platforms alleging that three American service members were killed in Kuwait during Iranian strikes.

Describing the reports as false, CENTCOM said all U.S. military personnel in the region had been accounted for.

“Iranian propaganda claimed today that three American service members were killed in Kuwait by strikes from Iran. False.

“Truth: There are zero reports of U.S. service member deaths or injuries in the region. All personnel are accounted for,” the command stated.

The renewed exchange of hostilities has further heightened concerns over the security of international maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes.

Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to navigation through the waterway could have far-reaching implications for global energy supplies, shipping operations and international trade.

The latest military developments signal growing volatility in the Gulf region as diplomatic efforts to restore the ceasefire remain uncertain after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire is over at the recently concluded NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.