US Central Command forces completed additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday at President Donald Trump's direction, as Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels and claimed its forces hit 18 US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation.
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz is "closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships," effective immediately, warning that any vessel attempting to transit the waterway "will be targeted." Heavy clashes and an exchange of fire have been reported in the strait between US forces and IRGC naval units, according to Iranian media.
Iran also launched ballistic missiles toward Jordan from the cities of Zanjan, Tabriz and Urmieh, according to reports. The skies over Jordan were seen with incoming fire as the missiles were intercepted.
CENTCOM said its forces launched strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran, using precision munitions from US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets.
"The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression," CENTCOM said in a statement. "U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready."
Iran claims 18 US targets struck
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces carried out two waves of operations targeting 18 "important" US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, as Tehran vowed a "decisive military response" to American aggression.
According to reports cited by Iran International, the strikes targeted the Ali Al-Salem and Ahmed Al-Jaber air bases in Kuwait, and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The IRGC said its Aerospace Force and Navy carried out the operations in response to US attacks on Iranian positions in southern Iran, including areas near Bandar Abbas.
US denies strikes on warship, Hormuz closure
US Central Command pushed back against Iranian claims, stating that no US warships have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz and that commercial ships continue to transit in and out of the waterway.
