U.S. Strikes Over 80 Iranian Targets After Ceasefire Ends

The statement came hours after U.S. Central Command reported striking more than 80 Iranian targets, including over 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats. Iranian state media said the strikes hit areas near Bandar Abbas and Sirik and caused shrapnel injuries.

Background to the strikes The U.S. action followed attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not claimed responsibility for those tanker attacks. Last month, Tehran and Washington signed a 14-page memorandum of understanding that extended the ceasefire and aimed to end the conflict on all fronts.

Iranian response and regional reactions Iranian forces said they targeted 85 U.S. military installations at Salman Port in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Kuwait's foreign ministry condemned the attacks as "repeated heinous Iranian aggressions" and said it would take steps to protect its security.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the U.S. strikes "absolutely necessary" and accused Iran of violating the ceasefire. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States breached the memorandum by violating Iranian adjustments in the Strait.