US Central Command launched additional airstrikes against Iran starting 5 PM Eastern Time on the 12th (local time), targeting facilities that threaten civilian vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait. The command stated the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capability to attack commercial ships and civilian vessels navigating the strategic waterway. President Trump ordered the operation to hold Iranian forces accountable. The escalation follows Iran's attack on commercial ships on the 7th and its declaration that the Hormuz Strait is closed, which the US disputes.
US Central Command Confirms No American Casualties
US Central Command announced on X (formerly Twitter) that "as of now, there are no reports of US military personnel killed or injured in the Middle East region." The command confirmed all US military personnel have been accounted for and are in stable condition. According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, US forces conducted earlier strikes near the Hormuz Strait area between 11-12 AM on the same day, indicating two separate strike operations occurred on the 12th (local time).
Iran Retaliates with Drone Strike on US HIMARS Launcher
Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Iran responded to the US airstrikes by attacking a US HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launcher in Kuwait with drones. The Iranian counter-strike targeted American military assets stationed in Kuwait following the US operations near the Hormuz Strait.
Hormuz Strait Conflict Escalates Following Commercial Ship Attack
The United States and Iran continue their confrontation over the Hormuz Strait. Military clashes have persisted since Iran attacked commercial ships transiting the strait on the 7th. Iran declared the Hormuz Strait closed, while the US maintains that passage remains open and accessible to international shipping.
Iran Condemns US Airstrikes as Aggressive Actions
Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning "the aggressive attacks the United States launched against Iran over the past 24 hours." The ministry's protest follows the series of US military operations targeting Iranian facilities near the strategic waterway.
FAQ
What did US Central Command do on the 12th (local time)?
US Central Command launched additional airstrikes against Iran starting 5 PM Eastern Time on the 12th (local time), targeting facilities capable of attacking civilian vessels in the Hormuz Strait. The command conducted two separate strike operations that day — one between 11-12 AM and another starting at 5 PM Eastern Time.
Why did the US launch airstrikes against Iran near the Hormuz Strait?
President Trump ordered the strikes to hold Iranian forces accountable and degrade Iran's capability to attack commercial ships and civilian vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait. The operation followed Iran's attack on commercial ships on the 7th and the ongoing dispute over Iran's declaration that the strait is closed.
How did Iran respond to the US airstrikes?
Iran retaliated by attacking a US HIMARS launcher in Kuwait with drones, according to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. Iran's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement strongly condemning the US airstrikes as aggressive actions against Iran.
