The U.S. and Iran exchanged new strikes despite the ceasefire
A new exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran was reported in the Strait of Hormuz on the night of June 3, despite existing ceasefire agreements. According to CENTCOM, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain, but none of the missiles reached their targets.
The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions surrounding Qeshm Island. The Iranian news agency Mehr reported explosions in the area of the island in the Strait of Hormuz. Shortly thereafter, the IRGC officially stated that three missiles had struck “enemy bases” on the island.
A few hours earlier, CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces had disabled the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie, which was heading toward the Iranian island of Kharg despite the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces over a 24-hour period, after which a U.S. aircraft fired a Hellfire missile at the tanker’s engine room. According to CENTCOM, since April 13, U.S. forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as part of the blockade of Iranian ports.
The IRGC stated that it had launched a missile and drone strike against the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and a U.S. airbase in the region. According to the Iranian side, this was a response to U.S. strikes on an IRGC communications tower on Qeshm Island.
The Iranian military also confirmed that it had attacked the Panay in response to a previous U.S. strike on an Iranian tanker. The IRGC warned against further interference in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Any new folly will be met with a devastating, decisive response that goes beyond established rules and boundaries. We will, without hesitation, reduce all aggressors’ headquarters and facilities in the region to ashes,” reads the IRGC statement, as quoted by Clash Report.
CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces successfully intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and launched strikes in self-defense against Qeshm Island.
Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait either failed to reach their target or broke apart in flight, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by U.S. and Bahraini air defense forces. Additionally, U.S. forces shot down three attack drones launched toward civilian vessels in regional waters.
“No U.S. personnel were harmed. U.S. Central Command forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the current ceasefire,” the CENTCOM statement said.
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti army confirmed that its air defense system had intercepted enemy missile and drone attacks. Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to seek shelter after warning sirens sounded.
Official information was published on CENTCOM.
Prior to this, oil prices had risen amid expectations of a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Traders are focusing on possible signals regarding a resolution to the conflict with Iran, which has impacted global oil supplies.
As of Tuesday morning, May 12, Brent crude was trading at $106.4 per barrel, and WTI at $100.6 per barrel.
