U.S. Conducts Third Round of Strikes on Iranian Targets

The United States completed a third round of strikes this week against Iranian targets in response to an attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command said the strikes targeted Iran's ability to attack vessels in the waterway.

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired warning shots at a ship. The U.S. Central Command stated the strait remains open to all vessels and that U.S.

Forces are prepared to ensure free navigation. Blasts were heard in the Iranian port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, in Chabahar, in Asaluyeh, in several districts of Bushehr province, and on Qeshm island. Over 10 blasts were also reported in Bandar-e-Jask.

A Cyprus-flagged container ship suffered an onboard fire and engine damage from an Iranian attack in the Strait of Hormuz, with one crew member reported missing. Commercial vessel traffic continued through the strait at reduced levels via the southern Omani corridor and the northern Iranian-controlled route. President Trump stated that Iran had agreed to a perfect deal for the U.S.

Before attacking the ship and that the United States bombed the hell out of them last night. He instructed Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio to continue negotiations with Iran in Oman on Saturday, though no U.S. officials will attend and talks will be conducted remotely with Omanis and Qataris.

Oman handed a note of protest to the Iranian ambassador after drone attacks on facilities in Musandam and Al Wusta Governorates. Oman and Iran agreed to continue talks on security in the Strait of Hormuz at technical and political levels. Civil defense sirens were activated in Bahrain with residents told to take shelter.

The UAE Ministry said air defenses repelled a missile and drone attack from Iran.