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United States (US) forces have struck Iranian targets again, with President Donald Trump threatening a “much harder” response to retaliation.
Washington launched new strikes on Tuesday after Iran targeted US troops and commercial shipping in the region.
Iranian state television reported explosions in the south near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and on an island in the Gulf.
The official IRNA news agency said four projectiles hit areas within the counties of Chabahar and Konarak, without giving details of damage.
Iranian state television also reported that several people attending a wedding were wounded in a US attack on a residential area in Bandar Kuhestak, Sirik county.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes followed attempted attacks by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and American troops deployed in the region.
Trump said the “large and powerful” strikes were carried out in retaliation for Iran’s alleged attempt to place sea mines in the Strait and its missile attack on a US military base in Jordan.
“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi warned that Washington “will regret its new attacks,” adding that “severe punishment awaits the aggressors.”
Iran’s Tasnim news agency later reported that a “decisive operation” had begun against the United States, with Iranian missiles and drones targeting US bases and interests in the region.
The latest escalation comes after six months of conflict, with Iran maintaining a closure of the Strait of Hormuz while the US continues a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
Washington said it had also attacked Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday to prevent Tehran from planting mines in key shipping lanes.
The conflict began in late February after US and Israeli attacks on Iran killed its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, two crude oil tankers were hit by “unknown projectiles” late Monday, according to Greek maritime risk management firm Marisks.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed one of the incidents, reporting no casualties or environmental damage.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that Tehran would match any US move towards a deal targeted at ending the war.
He also warned that renewed US “pressure and threats” could derail diplomatic efforts.
