US military targets Iranian missile, drone and coastal defence sites in five-hour operation

In a statement, CENTCOM said US forces struck military targets in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. Pic/AFP

The United States military said it has completed its latest wave of strikes on Iran, targeting military installations along the country's southern coast in what it described as an effort to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation lasted around five hours and was carried out earlier on Monday at the direction of President Donald Trump. The announcement marks the third consecutive night of U.S. military strikes against Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

CENTCOM says multiple military sites were hit

In a statement, CENTCOM said US forces struck military targets in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas.

"During the five-hour mission, US forces successfully struck military targets across Iran including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas to further degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping," CENTCOM said.

The military added that precision-guided munitions were used against Iranian coastal defence systems, missile and drone sites, as well as maritime capabilities.

"American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," the statement added. CENTCOM also released footage of the strikes following the operation.

Third consecutive night of US strikes

The latest operation follows two previous rounds of strikes conducted over the past two nights. President Trump has said the United States is reinstating a blockade on Iranian shipping and has proposed imposing a 20% fee on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to secure the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime routes, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption to shipping through the corridor has the potential to affect international energy supplies and financial markets.

Iran rejects US role in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's top joint military command responded by saying the United States has no authority to determine the future of the Strait of Hormuz and would not be allowed to intervene in the waterway.

Iran announced over the weekend that it was closing the strategically important shipping route, further intensifying regional tensions. The latest exchange has heightened concerns over freedom of navigation and the risk of broader military confrontation in the Gulf.

(With inputs from Agencies)