Washington: The United States has launched additional self-defense strikes targeting multiple sites across Iran, following a directive from President Donald Trump. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes, which were aimed at Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense locations. These actions come in response to perceived threats to US forces and international commercial vessels in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the strikes were justified as a reaction to recent aggressive actions by Iran, including the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. The US military emphasized its readiness and capability to respond to any further provocations from Iran.

In a significant escalation, Iran announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, a critical passage for global oil shipments. The Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Iran's military command, declared the waterway closed due to regional insecurity and warned that any attempts to navigate through the strait would be met with force. This move followed continued American military actions in Iran's southern Hormozgan province.

President Trump has stated that the US will persist with "hard" strikes against Iran. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump underscored the decisive nature of American military responses, indicating that the downing of the Apache helicopter justified continued operations. He conveyed an unwavering stance on maintaining pressure on Iran, despite potential impacts on diplomatic negotiations to end the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.