US targeted defence systems and missle launchers on Greater Turb IslandThe United States on Wednesday launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran, further escalating the conflict between the two countries.The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said the latest wave of strikes targeted Iran's Greater Tunb Island and lasted 90 minutes."CENTCOM launched precision munitions against coastal defense systems and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island during the 90-minute wave. The strikes further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," it said in an X post.According to the military command, the strikes began at 6am ET (3:30pm IST) and were completed at 7:30am ET (5pm IST).The attacks came hours after the US completed an additional round of strikes against Iran."CENTCOM completed an additional round of strikes against Iran at 10 pm ET (3:30am IST), hitting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas. US fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defence systems during the seven-hour wave to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews," CENTCOM posted on X announcing the earlier strikes.The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's crude oil passes, has been under a virtual Iranian blockade since early March after Tehran moved to retaliate against US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East conflict on February 28.The latest escalation began last week when three civilian oil tankers came under attack in the strait, with Washington blaming Iran. CENTCOM responded with strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.Although Washington and Tehran signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 17 to end the conflict, the agreement has come under increasing strain in recent days.