The United States launched a series of military strikes against Iran early Wednesday, saying the operation was in response to alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions despite an interim ceasefire, reports AFP.

In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had begun "a series of powerful strikes" to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for targeting commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.

"The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.

The military said the operation targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and more than 60 small boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which have frequently been used to harass commercial shipping in the Gulf.

CENTCOM said the strikes had concluded but warned that US forces remained "postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable" if the ceasefire agreement was violated again.

Iran condemned the attacks and vowed retaliation.

"The era of bullying and extortion is over," Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X. "It leads nowhere. We don't fold."

Iran's central military command described the strikes as "aggression and a terrorist act" and said it would "respond decisively."

Iranian state media reported explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas as well as on Qeshm Island and in Sirik, although authorities did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage.

The latest escalation came during the public funeral ceremonies being held in Iran and Iraq for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The mourning period, due to conclude on Thursday, had been widely viewed as a temporary pause in hostilities.

The renewed violence has also cast doubt over planned negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement to end the conflict.

Talks, expected to begin after Khamenei's burial, were set to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz fully to commercial traffic and addressing Iran’s disputed nuclear programme.

The American strikes also prompted heightened security concerns across the Gulf.

Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, activated missile warning sirens on Wednesday morning following the attacks.

END/AGENCIES/ASA

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