The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Iran for two consecutive days in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait. As the cycle of retaliation between the U.S. and Iran continues, the momentum for negotiations following last month's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is weakening.
According to reports from Reuters and other sources on July 8, the U.S. Central Command announced that additional airstrikes targeting Iran were initiated under the direction of President Donald Trump.
The Central Command stated that these strikes aim to diminish Iran's capabilities that threaten freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait. They also emphasized holding Iran accountable for attacks on commercial vessels and civilian sailors.
The airstrikes mark the second day of U.S. military action against Iran. Axios reported, citing U.S. officials, that the scope of the strikes has expanded compared to the previous day. Targets reportedly included Iranian coastal radar systems, anti-ship missile bases, and air defense systems.
On the previous day, U.S. forces struck over 80 targets, including Iran's air defense network, command and control facilities, coastal radar, and anti-ship missile capabilities.
Just before the announcement of the airstrikes, reports emerged of multiple explosions in southern Iran. State media in Iran reported that explosions were heard in the areas of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Qeshm Island.
Additional strikes had been anticipated. President Trump, speaking in Ankara, Turkey, where a NATO summit was taking place, mentioned, "We could strike back hard again tonight," indicating the possibility of further military action.
As military clashes continue, the future of follow-up negotiations regarding the MOU has become increasingly uncertain. Iran has characterized the U.S. airstrikes and the restoration of oil sanctions as violations of the MOU, while the U.S. views Iran's attacks on commercial vessels as threats to freedom of navigation. Both sides are quickly narrowing the space for negotiations as they accuse each other of breaching the agreement.
While President Trump has drawn a line against the possibility of a full-scale war, tensions surrounding the Hormuz Strait are escalating once again due to the consecutive airstrikes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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