US Launches Intense Retaliatory Strikes on Iranian Military Infrastructure

The strikes have targeted critical infrastructure including air-defense systems, surface-to-air missiles, coastal surveillance networks, and drone launch sites. Explosions were reported across key strategic locations, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Qeshm Island. According to U.S. officials, these measures serve as "punishment" for Iran’s interference with maritime traffic, with the U.S. government explicitly revoking previous sanctions waivers on Iranian oil in the wake of the attacks.

This military surge threatens to dismantle the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran less than three weeks ago. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabad condemned the operation as a breach of that commitment, warning that the U.S. bears full responsibility for the resulting instability. The conflict coincides with a period of national mourning in Iran following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, forcing President Masoud Pezeshkian to cut short his visit to Iraq to return to Tehran. As the U.S. continues its campaign, the diplomatic window for de-escalation appears to be closing rapidly, leaving the future of the volatile Strait of Hormuz increasingly uncertain.