US launches new strikes as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz ​

By Nathan. Morley

The US has conducted a fresh wave of strikes in response to Iranian forces hitting a ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran TV reports strikes in several parts of the country. 

The U.S. strikes hit about 140 Iranian military targets over the weekend, including missile and drone sites, communications networks and coastal surveillance positions, according to regional reports. 

On Sunday, Iran’s army said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice” and launched attacks on U.S. bases and allied states. Iran claimed it struck a U.S. base in Jordan, while the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain said they intercepted Iranian missiles and drones.

The latest exchange follows attacks on three commercial tankers earlier in the week. 

Washington on Saturday urged Tehran to publicly confirm the strait is open and to stop firing on commercial vessels.

U.S. media reported that Iranian officials privately told advisers to President Donald Trump the tanker attacks were a mistake by a rogue faction. The two countries signed a cease-fire in June that included guarantees of safe passage for commercial shipping.

Mr Trump also responded to reports that Iran planned to assassinate him, warning the U.S. military would “completely decimate and destroy all areas” of Iran if such a plot were attempted. 

Gaza desperation

Elsewhere, in Gaza, health officials have warned of a worsening medical emergency, citing severe shortages of medicines, equipment and ambulance services. 

Mohammed Abu Afash, director of the Medical Relief Organization, said promised medical convoys have not arrived since the cease-fire, leaving testing supplies at a massive deficit and threatening care for hundreds of thousands of patients.