US Keeps Attacking Iran as Tensions Rise in Red Sea

The US kept attacking Iran on Monday night. This makes it the 10th night in a row of attacks.

Explosions were heard in many areas, especially near Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar, and Konarak.

CENTCOM said in a statement on X that it hit Iranian military command centres, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems. This is part of its efforts to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Commercial vessels transit through the vital international maritime corridor continue. Since early May, CENTCOM forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Houthis, an Iranian-backed group in Yemen, declared a maritime blockade on Saudi ships. They also threatened to open a new front in the conflict.

Last week, both sides exchanged fire for the first time in years. The Houthis said their blockade of Saudi Arabia is a response to an attack on Sanaa International Airport and the ongoing blockade of the airport.

Tensions rose after the Yemeni government attacked Sanaa airport to stop an Iranian plane from landing. The Saudi-backed government bombed the runway last Monday to prevent a Houthi delegation from Iran from landing. The Houthis then attacked a Saudi airport in response.

Yemen is divided between rival authorities. The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels control Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, including the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Meanwhile, the internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, operates from the southern city of Aden.

It is unclear how the Houthis will enforce their blockade. But with rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, this could shake up the global energy market.

On the other hand, Iran has rejected US claims that ships can pass through Hormuz without permission. They said that vessels must get approval before trying to do so. Iran noted that alternative routes are dangerous because of mines and other risks.

Ship monitors reported that the few ships that have gone through the Strait since the latest strikes began passed through the Iranian side, likely with Iran’s permission.

Iran sees control of the Strait as a key factor in its fight against the US. They stated that the Strait would not return to being completely free as it was before the US invasion of Iran in February.

Iran has also continued to strike back at Gulf states. Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday that the IRGC said it attacked major US sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.

They called the US terrorists, saying they have caused insecurity in the Middle East with their actions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country thinks it is in a "full-scale war" with the US. The foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, also mentioned that Iran is preparing for a possible US ground invasion.

He stated that the authorities are "counting down the minutes to welcome" US forces if they invade.