U.S. Central Command says American forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the strikes are intended to impose “heavy costs” on Iran for targeting commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.

The command said Iran’s attacks were “unwarranted,” “dangerous,” and “a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

The strikes mark a major escalation in the region following the Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)