US forces launched “powerful” strikes against Iran in response to attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said, AFP reports.

“The US strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz” and will “impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping,” US Central Command said in a post on X.

“Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” it added.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, but sporadic violence has continued in the Gulf region, including attacks on ships by Tehran’s forces and US strikes on Iran.

The strikes were the first by US forces on Iran since a series of air raids late last month that Washington also said were in response to attacks on commercial vessels by Tehran’s forces.