U.S. Renews Strikes Against Iranian Military Assets
Topline
The U.S. forces launched the latest round of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, according to U.S. Central Command, continuing bombardments against military assets as Trump mulls strikes against civilian infrastructure in Iran.
US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press upon arrival at the US Army War College Field Landing Zone.
Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
Central Command said strikes were made against Iranian military assets “used to threaten” ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route that has become one of the largest points of contention in the Iran war.
Central Command added the strikes were made at Trump’s “direction,” as the president told reporters Wednesday he would not give Iran a deadline before the U.S. launched separate attacks against civilian infrastructure like bridges or power plants.
The U.S. military said earlier Wednesday it has redirected two commercial vessels in the Strait since it restarted a naval blockade against Iranian ports Tuesday, after Iran targeted ships that were using “unauthorized” routes.
Mohammad Ghalibaf, Iran’s speaker of the Parliament, blasted the “memorandum of understanding” signed by the U.S. and Iran last month, according to CBS Newssaying Iran has no reason to adhere to the agreement if it does not “benefit” from it, adding, “Our armed forces, as always, have complete freedom of action to confront enemy aggression.”
The agreement called for an end to military operations between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tangent
The Treasury Department issued new sanctions Wednesday against “seven individuals and entities” who supported efforts to procure weapons for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent reiterated in a statement Trump’s stance that “Iran must denuclearize.”
Crude Oil Prices Rise
Brent Crude has risen nearly 10% in the last five days of trading, growing more as the peace agreement between the U.S. and Israel has become increasingly derailed. Prices are down significantly since their roughly $118 peak in March and April.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
