U.S. launches more strikes against Iran
By Andrew Rice
The Center Square
The U.S. military is launching more strikes against Iran at the direction of President Donald Trump.
U.S. Central Command said the military started launching additional strikes in order to secure the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on three ships in the waterway.
"U.S. Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," Central command wrote in a post on social media.
Gas prices in the United States rose slightly over the past day as tensions between the U.S. and Iran flared. The average price for a gallon of gas is $3.7960. Oil prices also rose 5% following Trump's initial threats against Iran, wtih Brent crude oil at $77 per barrel.
The strikes follow separate attacks on Tuesday after three commercial ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said the military struck more than 80 targets in Iran on Tuesday including air defense systems, coastal radar sites and more than 60 small boats in or near the Strait of Hormuz.
"The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway," CENTCOM wrote in reference to the attacks.
Trump said Wednesday morning the U.S. would "possibly" strike Iran after he said the current ceasefire with Iran was "over."
"To me, I think it's over," Trump said to a reporter in Turkey. "I don't want to deal with [Iran] anymore. They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people."
Vice President JD Vance, a key negotiator in the talks with Iran, said the U.S. would continue to attack Iran if it didn't allow open access through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz will trigger a U.S. military response," Vance said. "Iran must comply with the deal or face continued strikes. Military action will persist until Iran opens the lane and stops attacking vessels."
Negotiators, including Vance, are set to meet with Iranian leaders on July 11 to discuss further details of the peace deal between the two countries. The U.S. revoked a license on Tuesday that allowed Iran to produce and distribute oil around the world while the ceasefire remained in tact.
The Trump administration requested $87.6 billion from Congress to cover the costs of the conflict, including more than $70 billion for military expenses, according to a White House appropriations request.