The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran for the eighth consecutive day, retaliating for an attack that killed two U.S. troops stationed in Jordan.
According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters on July 19, U.S. forces targeted areas around Sirik, Hazavabad, and Qeshm Island early that morning. Explosions were also reported in the major port city of Bandar Abbas. The extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed.
AP cited Iran's state news agency IRNA, stating, "Sirik and Hazavabad were attacked, and explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas." The attack near Qeshm Island was reported by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.
The U.S. Central Command stated that the airstrikes aimed to weaken Iran's capabilities that threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to respond to the attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan.
Reuters reported that the airstrikes were initiated under the orders of President Donald Trump.
Previously, Iran had launched ballistic missiles and drones at a U.S. military base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. troops, one missing, and injuries to other personnel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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