Iran-US Tensions: The United States carried out a major military operation around the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, striking nearly 60 Iranian military targets and providing armed protection to 40 commercial vessels carrying around 18 million barrels of oil. The operation came as the US and Iran exchanged another round of attacks, further raising tensions around the crucial waterway.

US Escorts 40 Commercial Ships Through Hormuz

According to two US officials, who spoke to CNN, this was the largest number of commercial vessels protected by American forces in a single operation since the conflict began. As part of the operation, American forces struck close to 60 Iranian military targets in the vicinity of the Strait. The targets included air defence systems, radar equipment, maritime infrastructure, mine-laying facilities and communications systems.

ALSO READ: Iran Launches Missile Strikes At US Bases In Kuwait, Bahrain After Strike Kills Civilians During Wedding Celebration

US Maintains Naval Blockade

In a separate post on X on Wednesday, the US Central Command affirmed that it continues to maintain a strict blockade around the waterway and had redirected 86 commercial vessels until September 2. Releasing a video of the patrolling, the US CENTCOM wrote, “The U.S. Navy continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 2, U.S. forces have redirected 86 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy routes. Before the conflict began in February, around 20 million barrels of oil were passing through the waterway every day. However, the situation changed significantly as the waterway emerged as a major flashpoint in the war. The US Navy blockade and Iranian restrictions have disrupted shipping through the waterway.

Iran Reports Deaths And Injuries

Meanwhile, Iranian officials said the latest US strikes also caused civilian casualties. Iran's Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi said 18 people were killed and 108 others wounded in overnight US strikes against Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US strikes, calling them "acts of aggression" and saying the country would defend its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Iran also responded to the attacks by targeting American bases and assets in several locations across the region. Iranian attacks targeted US bases and assets in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region and the United Arab Emirates.

ALSO READ: 'Don't Think There's Trade Deal': Rubio Reacts To PM Modi-Pezeshkian Meeting, Warns Against Helping Iran

You May Also Like To Watch: