President Donald Trump says the latest US strikes hit Iran 'very hard,' dedicated to three American soldiers killed in recent days. The attacks were launched 'in honour' of two soldiers killed in Jordan and one in Iraq.
US Central Command confirmed a 'new wave' of strikes overnight, targeting military sites and communications networks to diminish Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with a 'surprise attack' in Syria and targeted US aircraft at Jordan's Aqaba airport. Kuwait's forces also intercepted Iranian drones.
The strikes hit several Iranian cities, including Tabriz and Bandar Mahshahr. Two oil tankers reportedly exploded while crossing the strait.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the strait will not be safe for oil transit as long as US strikes continue.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US remains open to diplomacy but called on the world to decide if an international waterway will be controlled by Iran.
The escalation follows the collapse of a preliminary deal made in mid-June. Negotiations for a permanent peace have stalled.