US Central Command (Centcom) has announced a series of strikes against targets within Iran. The attacks commenced at 6:00 AM local time, corresponding to noon in Italy, and were designed to diminish Iran’s military capabilities. These capabilities have been used, according to Centcom, to target commercial vessels in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A brief, black-and-white video released by Centcom appears to show a missile impacting a purported US target inside Iran. This action signifies a direct response by the US to recent attacks on maritime traffic. The strikes aim to degrade Iran's ability to continue posing a threat to shipping lanes. Further details regarding the extent and impact of the attacks are currently emerging.