In a post on X, the military command Centcom states that the purpose of the attacks is to degrade Iran's "ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely passing through the Strait of Hormuz."
Earlier on Sunday evening, Iranian media reported attacks on the island of Qeshm. Iran says the attacks have rendered recent peace talks between the countries "meaningless."
"The US regime has also contributed to the return of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption of international commercial shipping by openly interfering in Iran's efforts to implement the necessary measures in the Strait of Hormuz," a statement from the State Department read, according to AFP.
Conflicting information abounds about whether the Strait of Hormuz is open. According to the US, American forces guarantee free movement in the strait.
But according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the waterway was closed after a ship that had taken an "unauthorized route" was stopped with warning shots. They have also stated that the strait will remain closed until "the American interventions in the region are ended," according to Iranian state media.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the US and Iran to cease the attacks and return to the negotiating table.
