Topline
The U.S. launched its latest strikes against Iran on Tuesday, according to U.S. Central Command, which said the military operations were made in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz—a major oil shipping route that remains a sizable point of contention in U.S.-Iran peace efforts.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 1, 2026.
Photo by U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Key Facts
U.S. Central Command said its forces started launching “a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians,” according to a statement.
The strikes come shortly after President Donald Trump revoked a waiver authorizing the sale of Iranian oil, marking the latest rupture between the U.S. and Iran after a “Memorandum of Understanding” was signed three weeks ago.
Iran, which has asserted dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, has not directly claimed responsibility for the attacks, The New York Times reported, noting an unnamed U.S. official who said negotiations toward a finalized deal with Iran would continue.
Trump said Monday the U.S. would make a deal with Iran or “finish the job,” with Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, calling Trump’s threat “delusional.”
Big Number
130. That is how many days have passed since the U.S. and Israel first launched strikes against Iran.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.