WANA (Jul 21) – The U.S. military early Tuesday announced a new wave of strikes on several locations in southern Iran. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attacks were aimed at what it described as reducing Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation was launched under orders from the U.S. president and targeted capabilities that Washington claims have been used in attacks against commercial vessels in the strategic waterway.

 

At the same time, reports emerged of explosions in the Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Bushehr, and Sirik. Meanwhile, Fox News reported that the latest round of military action could increase the likelihood of the United States becoming involved in a broader war in the Middle East.

 

Separately, an unnamed U.S. official told Al Jazeera on Monday evening that negotiations between Washington and Tehran were continuing despite the ongoing military strikes. The official claimed that the U.S. administration intends to hold Iran accountable for what it described as “threatening activities” in the Strait of Hormuz and for allegedly violating a memorandum of understanding.

The official also claimed that military operations against Iran would continue until the U.S. president decides otherwise.