Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and vowed to retaliate following the latest US strikes.
• Conflict widens: A fire that broke out on two vessels, included one US-owned, at an Egyptian port on Wednesday was caused by a drone, Cairo confirmed, marking the first time Egyptian infrastructure has been struck. It comes as Saudi Arabia also carried out joint strikes with the US on Iranian proxies in Iraq, after months of Riyadh resisting being pulled into the conflict.
• US renews Iran strikes: The US military launched a “heavy wave of strikes” against Iran in retaliation to Iran’s attempted attack on US military positions on Tuesday. The latest strikes were the first in several days to directly target the country. Explosions were heard in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Kish and Qeshm Island, Iranian state media reported.
• Vow of retribution: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and that the “aggressor will be punished today.” It follows US President Donald Trump’s earlier promise of retribution, telling reporters “it’s our turn to hit them.”
China’s Foreign Minister has dismissed reports from Reuters that Beijing will be sending 300 to 400 shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers to Iran, according to the country’s state-run news agency.
