Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

NATO chief on US attacks on Iranian targets: “Absolutely necessary”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says that the US’s new attacks on Iran last night were “absolutely necessary”. According to him, Iran first violated the ceasefire by attacking ships yesterday.

– Then it is absolutely crucial that the US acts forcefully, he says according to AFP.

The US’s new attacks on Iran are likely to overshadow the rest of the NATO summit in Turkey, writes CNN. The renewed violence is described as the biggest threat to the three-week ceasefire so far.

US carries out new powerful attacks on Iranian targets: “Not over for a while”

The US is carrying out attacks on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, the military says according to Reuters. The military command Centcom writes in a statement that the “powerful attacks” are a response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran’s actions were unprovoked, dangerous and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

According to Iranian state media, several explosions have been heard in southern Iran. Loud bangs have also been heard on the island of Qeshm.

A government source tells CNN that the US attacks are disproportionate.

– This is a punishment. It will not be over for a while.

Formally, a ceasefire has been in place between the US and Iran since the memorandum of understanding was signed last month, but the parties have repeatedly carried out attacks and accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

US and Iran — the point is

• The US and Iran have once again escalated the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz with attacks on ships and military targets.
• Iran has shelled and damaged a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to the US responding with airstrikes on Iranian targets in the strait.
• Following the attacks last night, Iran claims to have carried out strikes on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, which caused air raid sirens to sound in the region.
• The US tightened sanctions yesterday by revoking a waiver that allowed Iran to sell some oil. Oil prices have risen on the new events.
• Both sides accuse each other of violating the fragile ceasefire that was recently reached.