U.S. airstrikes on Iran for 2nd day... Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military struck Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area for two days in a row in retaliation for Iran's attacks on merchant ships. Following the armed battle between the two sides the previous day, the U.S. military launched additional airstrikes against Iran, raising concerns that the previous agreement is being pushed into an even more precarious situation.

The U.S. Central Command issued a statement on the 27th (local time), saying, "We conducted an airstrike against Iran in direct response to Iran's continued attacks on commercial shipping," and added, "U.S. military aircraft struck Iran's reconnaissance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense bases, and drone storage facilities."

The U.S. Central Command announced that this airstrike was carried out under the direction of the military commander-in-chief. It is said to be a retaliatory air strike under orders from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Central Command explained, "Iran was given the opportunity to comply with the ceasefire agreement after the United States launched an airstrike in retaliation for Iran's attack on the (commercial ship) Everable yesterday, but Iran refused to do so by launching a unilateral attack drone at Kikuho at 4:30 a.m. Eastern time today."

The Central Command explained that Kikuho was a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil and passing near the Strait of Hormuz.

Central Command said that merchant ships' passage through the Strait of Hormuz is continuing.

He added, “The U.S. military remains vigilant, maintains lethal strike capabilities, and is ready.”

Iranian media also reported that an explosion was heard in Iran's Sirik region near the Strait of Hormuz. There were also reports that several projectiles flew into a village on Gesium Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

This is the second day of U.S. airstrikes on Iran, following the previous day. The previous day, the U.S. military also struck Iran's missile and drone storage facilities around the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Iran's attack on merchant ships.

In response, Iran also launched a counterattack. Iran did not reveal where the target was, but issued a statement condemning Bahrain for being attacked by an Iranian drone.

As the United States and Iran continue to engage in armed combat while signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war and conducting follow-up negotiations, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are soaring and there are concerns that the previous agreement may be further jeopardized.