In the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces had launched a series of large-scale strikes against the Islamic Republic, saying the operation was intended to impose a high cost on Tehran for targeting commercial vessels carrying civilian crews in international waters.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out in response to the Islamic Republic’s attacks on three commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement described Iran’s actions as “unjustified, dangerous, and a blatant violation of the ceasefire.”
Iranian state media also reported hearing multiple explosions in the country’s southern regions, including Sirik County and Qeshm Island.
The Mehr News Agency reported that explosions were heard in Sirik County during the early hours of Wednesday. The agency added that no official, military, or law enforcement authorities had commented on the nature of the blasts or confirmed or denied the reports.
