US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran as Tensions Over Hormuz Escalate

Washington: The United States on Wednesday launched fresh airstrikes on Iran, targeting Greater Tunb Island, a small island in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz and considered strategically important. The fresh strikes came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Iran to "behave." 

The island plays a vital role in monitoring and protecting merchant ships and warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, Iran controls the island, but the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also claims it.

When did US attack Iran?

The US has launched a fourth consecutive day of strikes on Iran on Wednesday. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest strikes, which were carried out at 3 pm ET under the direction of the US Commander in Chief, targeted Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

"At 3 pm ET, U.S. forces launched operations for a second wave of strikes today against Iran. The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, an international waterway vital to global commerce. The U.S. military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction," CENTCOM said in its post.

What did Donald Trump say?

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that if Tehran doesn't agree to a deal, power plants and bridges will be targeted next week. Iran, on the other hand, has made it clear that it will not bow to US pressure and will continue its strategy in the Strait of Hormuz.

What did Iran say?

Iran's Health Ministry has claimed that more than 35 people have been killed in recent US airstrikes, ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on Wednesday.

He said more than 300 people were injured in the attacks, including 72 who remained hospitalized, while the rest were treated and discharged.

However, the ministry did not disclose the dates on which these attacks took place and how many civilians and how many military personnel were among the dead.

Iran's Health Ministry has claimed that more than 260 people were injured in the recent US attacks, ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on Wednesday.