US launches new wave of strikes against Iran; state TV says Bandar Abbas hit by ‘American projectiles’

The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran on Thursday, marking the fifth consecutive night of attacks, as Washington stepped up pressure on Tehran following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest operation began at 2 p.m. ET (1800 GMT) and was aimed at further weakening Iran’s military capabilities.“At 2 pm ET today, U.S. forces began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran for the fifth consecutive night to further degrade Iranian military capabilities,” CENTCOM said in a statement.Shortly after the announcement, Iran’s state television reported that areas in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas had been struck by what it described as “American projectiles.” The broadcaster did not immediately provide details on the locations targeted, casualties or the extent of the damage.Bandar Abbas, located on the Strait of Hormuz, is one of Iran’s most strategically important ports and hosts key naval and military facilities. The city has been at the centre of heightened tensions following recent attacks on commercial shipping in the waterway.The latest strikes come amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration has accused Iran of violating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a sustained US military campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier said Iran had continued to express interest in reaching an agreement with Washington but insisted the US would continue to respond to attacks on commercial shipping.The strikes mark the fifth straight night of US military operations against Iranian targets, underscoring the widening confrontation between the two countries as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.