Gulf tensions soar after US strikes and Iran's counterattacks
Explosions reported from across southern Iran on third consecutive night of US attacks: Iran claims retaliatory attacks on US military facilities, naval assetst: Tehran accuses Washington of violating ceasefire agreement as tensions over Strait of Hormuz escalate: --Trump fixes 20% fee on ships crossing Straight of Hormuz
The United States (US) carried out strikes on southern Iran for a third consecutive night, while Iran launched fresh retaliatory attacks, further escalating tensions across the Gulf, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.
--Southern Iran under attack--
According to the report, explosions were reported in the southern Iranian cities and islands of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Qeshm, Kish and Abu Musa.
US Central Command confirmed that American forces had conducted operations against Iran for a third successive night.
The latest attacks followed an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump, who said the United States would target the Kuh Kolang Gaz La area in central Iran as part of its military campaign.
--Iran's counterattack with drones--
Iran responded with a strong counterattack. Iranian media reported that cruise missiles targeted a US naval vessel, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said drones were also used during the operation.
The Guards further claimed that several vessels were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz over what they described as navigation violations.
--UAE confirms cruise missile attack--
The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates said two of its tanker vessels were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
--Baghaei says USA violating ceasefire--
Meanwhile, Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire memorandum of understanding and announced that it was suspending its implementation of the agreement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Washington was no longer honouring the memorandum and that Iran would therefore also cease to implement its commitments.
He added that Iranian operations against US military bases had been carried out in self-defence.
--Trump fixes 20% fee on Hormuz ships--
The dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz intensified after President Trump announced a renewed blockade policy for the strategic waterway.
He said a 20 percent fee would be imposed on cargo shipments and declared that the United States would become the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to his statement, the restrictions would apply only to Iranian vessels and their customers, while ships from other countries would continue to enjoy unrestricted passage.
He claimed that Iran had broken a previous agreement and said the United States had launched heavy strikes against Iranian targets the previous night.
President Trump also warned that any further attacks by Iran would be met with a strong military response.