US Claims to Attack More Than 80 Iranian Targets

JAKARTA - The United States military claims to have carried out a new series of retaliatory attacks against Iran by targeting more than 80 targets.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), Tuesday night (7/7) local time, stated that the action was a form of retaliation for Iran's latest attack on commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

In its statement, CENTCOM attacked Iranian air defense systems, control and command networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile system capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

"In direct response to Iran's latest attack on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The military operation is aimed at weakening Iran's ability to continue attacking international trade through international trade corridors, according to CENTCOM.

"CENTCOM forces remain on alert and ready to hold Iran accountable if the (ceasefire) agreement is not adhered to," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Iranian government media on Wednesday morning reported that there had been a number of explosions in several areas in southern Iran.

Previously, on Tuesday (7/7), Qatar summoned the Iranian deputy ambassador in Doha to protest Iran's attack on the Qatari-owned ship, Al Rekayyat, near the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghae denied Qatar's allegations. Baghaeimembantah pihaknya tetap berkomitmen untuk memastikan navigasi aman di Selat Hormuz.

"Ships using routes not coordinated with Iranian authorities will face risks and disrupt the Islamic Republic of Iran's efforts to facilitate safe traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," Baghaei said.

Meanwhile, IRIB reported that a Qatari-owned oil tanker, which tried to cross the Oman route through the Strait of Hormuz with the escort of the US Navy, was targeted after ignoring repeated warnings from Iranian forces.