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The US Army announced Wednesday evening a new series of strikes on Iran, indicating that it aims to limit Tehran's ability to 'threaten' ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement: "At 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (19:00 GMT), US forces began operations including a second wave of strikes against Iran today. These strikes target Iranian military capabilities used to threaten ships that freely navigate the Strait of Hormuz."

CENTCOM said a new wave of attacks began late Wednesday evening, the third in 24 hours.

The Central Command added that, within 17 hours of reimposing the blockade on Iranian ports, US forces 'diverted' two commercial vessels that were attempting to breach the US blockade on Iran.

This comes as Reuters quoted three US officials saying that the latest wave of US strikes on Iran, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz, also targets Iranian military capabilities that the US seeks to destroy before carrying out more complex operations on Iran.

The officials, who requested anonymity to discuss military matters, added that these strikes effectively enhance the military options available to President Donald Trump, who has kept the world guessing about his next steps after notifying Congress earlier this week of a formal resumption of conflict with Iran.

The Iran war, which is nearing its fifth month, continues after the collapse of the memorandum of understanding that was supposed to stop the fighting and pave the way for a final agreement.

Despite the heavy strikes the Iranian military has received since the start of the US-Israeli campaign on February 28, Tehran still possesses significant capabilities in drones and missiles, and has attacked passing oil tankers as well as targets in neighboring countries.

The US military said its latest bombing operations targeted Iranian air defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone sites, as well as small boats and other naval assets.

A US official said these strikes could be considered 'preparatory operations' to weaken Iranian defenses, in anticipation of orders for the US military to carry out more intensive operations in the future. He added, 'This paves the way, if necessary.'

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