The Middle East conflict has entered another dangerous phase as the United States reportedly launched a fresh wave of military strikes across southern and western Iran following Tehran's retaliatory attacks on U.S. positions in the Gulf. Reports claim explosions were heard in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Ahvaz, Abadan, Khorramshahr, Sirik, Jask, Khondab and several other Iranian cities, although the full extent of the attacks remains unverified. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were ordered to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Washington accused Tehran of targeting civilian vessels. Meanwhile, As per reports, Iran launched missiles and drones in response, while U.S. forces reportedly intercepted an Iranian cruise missile and an attack drone.