US says it struck targets in Iran after attack on warships

Tehran: Following reports of multiple explosions near the Qeshm port and Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Thursday , Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin, citing a senior US official, stated that the US military conducted strikes on these strategically vital maritime corridors of the Islamic Republic.

In a series of posts on X, the Fox News correspondent stated that the senior US official confirmed the strikes took place "moments ago" but stressed that the operation does not signal a return to full-scale conflict in West Asia or the end of the existing ceasefire arrangement.

"US military just carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas: Senior US official tells me, but this is not a restarting of the war," she wrote in one post.

In a subsequent update, she added that the official reiterated the action was limited in scope, saying it should not be interpreted as a broader escalation or a breakdown of current de-escalation efforts between the two sides.

"A senior US official tells me that it was a US military strike on Iran's Qeshm port and Bandar Abbas moments ago, but added this is not a restarting of the war or end to the ceasefire," Griffin posted.

These come after multiple explosions were reported near these sites in southern Iran, according to several reports from Iranian state media.

According to state media outlet Press TV, an explosion occurred at Bahman Pier in Qeshm during what it described as an exchange of fire between Iranian armed forces and "enemy forces".

US military says it intercepted Iranian attacks on Navy ships

The US military has said it intercepted Iranian attacks on three US Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

It responded to the attacks with "self-defense strikes" on "Iranian military facilities" responsible for attacking the ships, US Central Command said in a post on X.

It said Iran had launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats on the three ships.

It said the US ships weren't hit.

Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire

Iran's military gave a different account of the latest exchange of fire between the United States and Iran.

It says that it targeted the three US Navy ships in retaliation for a US attack on an Iranian oil tanker travelling from Iranian coastal waters toward the Strait of Hormuz.

This is according to pro-government Press TV, which quoted an Iranian military spokesperson.

It also accused the US of carrying out airstrikes on civilian areas along the coast and on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz with the support of "some regional countries."

Iranian media had earlier speculated about a possible airstrike by the United Arab Emirates, according to German press agency DPA.

The Tasnim news agency wrote: "Should the matter be confirmed, the Emirates will pay the price for their hostile action," DPA said.

Earlier this week, the UAE accused Iran of attacking its oil and gas facilities with a barrage of missiles and drones.