US Attacks Iran with the Excuse of Attacking a Ship in the Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - The United States military said early Wednesday it had launched "a series of powerful strikes against Iran to inflict heavy losses" for attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

"US Central Command (US CENTCOM) forces have begun launching a series of powerful attacks against Iran to impose a heavy cost for targeting and attacking commercial vessels manned by innocent civilians in international waterways," US CENTCOM said in a statement on social media X, quoted from Al Arabiya (8/7).

Iran has attacked three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, including Qatari and Saudi Arabian vessels.

"The aggression shown by Iran is unjustified, dangerous, and clearly a violation of the ceasefire," explained US CENTCOM.

Meanwhile, a number of explosions were heard in port cities such as Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island, according to Iran's state-run media, Press TV, quoted by CNN.

The projectiles reportedly hit a commercial pier in Sirik, a fishing pier in the village of Ziarat, and civilian fishing boats in Bandar Abbas.

Meanwhile, Iran's state television station, IRIB, said a telecommunications tower in Bandar Abbas appeared to be the target.

Several people were wounded by shrapnel from the attack on Sirik pier, according to IRIB.

The attack came hours after the US lifted sanctions waivers allowing the sale of Iranian oil as a result of the attack.

An American official told Al Arabiya English, Iran's attack on the Strait "is completely unacceptable to the United States and will have consequences."