U.S. Central Command Strikes Iran; Strait of Hormuz Remains Open

U.S. Central Command conducted a new wave of strikes on Iran under direction from President Donald Trump. The strikes represent the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Central Command stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway.

The command added that U.S. forces are positioned and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation remains available despite unwarranted Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.

Trump said the U.S. is prepared to hit Iran very hard tonight and tomorrow. He described Iran's navy, air force, and missile capabilities as virtually annihilated. "Pickaxe is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right in the front door," Trump said in an interview with Salem News Channel's Hugh Hewitt.

"We're going to hit them very hard tonight and we're going to hit them hard tomorrow and there's not a damn thing they can do about it," he added. Trump listed Iranian leaders in his remarks and called the country's officials stone cold crazy people.

He said Iran has nothing going other than they have big mouths.

The strikes followed a heavy bombardment last night from the U.S. on Iran. That action came in response to the IRGC doing severe damage to a cargo ship when it tried to shut down the strait. Central Command has not released further operational details about the strikes. Traffic is flowing through the strait, according to the command's statement.