The United States launched strikes in Iran early Thursday morning, a senior US official confirmed, following reports that air defense systems were activated across several regions in the country. This marks the second night in a row that the US has struck targets in Iran.
Among other locations, the systems were activated in Fars Province, on Qeshm Island, and in the capital, Tehran.
Additionally, reports indicate an explosion at the petrochemical plant in Assaluyeh - the largest facility of its kind in the country, responsible for approximately 50% of Iranian petrochemical production. Further explosions were reportedly heard on Kish Island, Qeshm Island, and in Sirik, near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed that its forces "began launching additional self-defense strikes" against "multiple targets" in Iran.
"The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression," it added.
Several hours later, CENTCOM released another statement summarizing the latest round of strikes.
“US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran, June 10, at the Commander in Chief's direction," it said.
“CENTCOM forces launched strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran. US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters," it added.
“The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression. US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," concluded the statement.
A senior US official quoted by Channel 12 News stated that all the targets being struck are located in southern Iran and include air defense systems, radars, and drone command and control units.
Subsequent reports out of Iran indicated an exchange of naval gunfire between Iranian forces and the US military. Concurrently, Iranian state television claimed that United States military vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman were targeted in a coordinated attack utilizing Iranian missiles and drones.
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