The United States launched a second consecutive night of precision strikes against Iranian military targets on Saturday after Tehran allegedly attacked another commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions and placing the fragile ceasefire agreement under severe strain.

According to US officials, Iran targeted the Panama-flagged tanker KIKU, which was carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil while transiting the strategic waterway. The vessel reportedly sustained damage, although all crew members were confirmed safe. Washington described the attack as a serious violation of the recently negotiated ceasefire and a direct threat to global maritime security.

In retaliation, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted coordinated strikes on 10 Iranian military installations. The targets included surveillance networks, communication systems, air defence batteries, drone storage facilities, and capabilities linked to naval mine deployment. CENTCOM also released a 38-second video on X showing footage of the overnight operation.

The US military stated that Iran had been given an opportunity to uphold the ceasefire following Friday's American strikes but instead chose further escalation by launching a one-way attack drone that struck the tanker. Friday's US operation had already targeted Iranian missile depots, drone infrastructure, and coastal radar installations after Washington accused Tehran of attacking another cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the renewed exchange of military action, CENTCOM confirmed that commercial shipping continues to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade flows. However, the command stressed that US forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any further threats against international shipping or regional stability.

The latest confrontation has cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict, raising fears that the already fragile ceasefire could unravel completely if hostilities continue.

The United States launched a second consecutive night of precision strikes against Iranian military targets on Saturday after Tehran allegedly attacked another commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions and placing the fragile ceasefire agreement under severe strain.

According to US officials, Iran targeted the Panama-flagged tanker KIKU, which was carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil while transiting the strategic waterway. The vessel reportedly sustained damage, although all crew members were confirmed safe. Washington described the attack as a serious violation of the recently negotiated ceasefire and a direct threat to global maritime security.

In retaliation, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted coordinated strikes on 10 Iranian military installations. The targets included surveillance networks, communication systems, air defence batteries, drone storage facilities, and capabilities linked to naval mine deployment. CENTCOM also released a 38-second video on X showing footage of the overnight operation.

The US military stated that Iran had been given an opportunity to uphold the ceasefire following Friday's American strikes but instead chose further escalation by launching a one-way attack drone that struck the tanker. Friday's US operation had already targeted Iranian missile depots, drone infrastructure, and coastal radar installations after Washington accused Tehran of attacking another cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the renewed exchange of military action, CENTCOM confirmed that commercial shipping continues to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade flows. However, the command stressed that US forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any further threats against international shipping or regional stability.

The latest confrontation has cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict, raising fears that the already fragile ceasefire could unravel completely if hostilities continue.