The U.S. military has initiated new strikes against Iran, according to a statement released Tuesday by the U.S. Central Command. These strikes commenced Tuesday afternoon Eastern Time and follow Iran’s declaration that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane. In response, the U.S. is preparing to reinstate a blockade of Iranian shipping, set to begin at 4:00 PM ET (2000 GMT). The situation escalates existing tensions between the two nations. Details regarding the targets and scope of the strikes remain limited. The move highlights a firm stance by the U.S. against perceived Iranian aggression and aims to counter Iran’s actions concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The Central Command announced the developments via social media.