Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have surged as the United States and Iran engage in significant military exchanges following a ceasefire. The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities for the second consecutive day, prompting Iran to retaliate with attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East and declare a complete closure of the Strait.
On June 10, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had initiated further strikes against multiple targets in Iran, describing the actions as self-defense measures. President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that U.S. forces had launched 49 Tomahawk missiles at Iranian targets.
The escalation followed the crash of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz on June 8, with both sides responding with attacks. Trump claimed that Iran shot down the helicopter and warned of a strong response, leading to U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites.
Trump noted that some targets were located about 65 kilometers from Tehran, while others were situated along Iran's western coastline adjacent to the Persian Gulf. Iranian media reported loud explosions near the Strait and west of Tehran early on June 11.
CENTCOM later confirmed that it had completed airstrikes targeting military surveillance equipment, communication systems, and air defense bases across Iran.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have attacked 18 U.S. military bases in the region. International news outlets, including Reuters, reported that the targets included U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The IRGC stated that it struck the Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan with ballistic missiles, causing damage to U.S. fighter jets and key infrastructure. Iran also reported further attacks on the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain.
However, U.S. officials refuted claims of significant damage from the Iranian retaliation. Bahrain announced that it intercepted missiles launched by Iran, while Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace due to risks to civilian aviation.
Alongside military retaliation, Iran declared a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Central Military Command, which oversees the Iranian military, announced a ban on all vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, from transiting the Strait. The command warned that any ships attempting to pass through would be fired upon.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that fire was actually directed at two vessels that violated the transit ban. In contrast, CENTCOM stated on X that commercial vessels continued to navigate the Strait of Hormuz that night, contradicting Iran's claims of a closure.
Trump indicated that airstrikes against Iran would soon cease but threatened to resume bombing the following night if Iran did not sign an agreement with the U.S. negotiating team. He claimed to have communicated directly with Iranian officials, who allegedly requested a halt to the airstrikes, but Iranian state media denied any such dialogue took place.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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