The United States has launched a second wave of strikes against Iran in response to its attack on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, which were authorized by the Commander in Chief, are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the international waterway.
According to reports, the second wave of strikes started at 3 p.m. ET, with U.S. forces launching operations against Iranian military targets in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are part of a five-day campaign against Iranian missile and drone sites in the region.
Iran has retaliated against the U.S. strikes by attacking neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a drone attack that caused a massive warehouse fire in Al Shuaiba, Kuwait, on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has stated that Iran wants to make a deal to end the renewed fighting, but has suggested that he will instead "finish it off." Trump made the comments during a Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College this afternoon.
Trump also stated that the U.S. will continue to strike Iranian military targets throughout the week and may escalate the conflict further by targeting Iran's energy, oil, and transportation infrastructure next week. He refused to rule out a ground invasion of Iran and suggested that the U.S. would take over Iran's oil export hub of Kharg Island.
The situation in the Persian Gulf remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many countries urging restraint and diplomacy to resolve the conflict peacefully.
