The United States military has carried out a series of strikes on Iranian military positions near a strategic waterway, saying the operation was intended to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.

According to the U.S. military, the strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal radar installations, missile and drone equipment, and small military boats believed to be used in operations against commercial vessels.

The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Washington has accused Iran of posing a growing threat to maritime security and international shipping routes.

In response, Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East, raising concerns over a wider regional escalation. Details regarding the extent of the retaliatory attacks and any casualties have not yet been fully confirmed.