US military says it is striking Iran in response to attack on civilian vessel in Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after its military fired a warning shot at a vessel using an unauthorized route, escalating tensions with the United States and threatening the fragile ceasefire agreement.
• In response, the U.S. Central Command launched a third round of strikes against Iran, targeting locations near the strait, including Bandar Abbas and Sirik, with a Cyprus-flagged container ship reported damaged and a civilian crew member missing.
• Diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman about the strait continue, but Iran insists on controlling the waterway and charging transit fees, while the U.S. promotes a southern route through Oman's territorial waters for safe passage.
• Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed revenge for his father's death in the war's opening strikes, while U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he was targeted by an assassination plot and warned of automatic military retaliation if killed.
• The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and damage, with at least 17 killed and 115 wounded in recent strikes on Iran, and ongoing attacks raising concerns about rogue factions and regional actors' involvement beyond the U.S. and Iran.