The US Central Command has resumed a naval blockade on Iranian ports after launching an additional round of strikes on Iran. Over 20 US warships and hundreds of aircraft are deployed across the Middle East for the operation. The strikes targeted Iranian coastal defense systems and missile infrastructure along Iran's southern coast. In retaliation, Iran's IRGC attacked US military assets in Bahrain and Kuwait, marking a severe escalation in West Asia.

The US Central Command on Tuesday said that it has resumed the naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, hours after announcing an "additional round of strikes" against the Islamic Republic amid the escalating tensions in West Asia.

"American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready. - US Central Command"

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the blockade was reinstated at 4 pm ET, as US forces continued operations aimed at reducing Iranian capabilities that Washington said were being used to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The CENTCOM noted that over 20 US naval warships and hundreds of military aircraft are deployed across the region as part of the blockade.

"U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 p.m. ET. There are currently more than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East. American forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," US Central Command said.

Earlier, CENTCOM announced that American forces had launched another round of strikes against Iran.

"At 3 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching an additional round of strikes against Iran to continue degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are taking place as American forces prepare to resume the naval blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade goes into effect at 4 p.m. ET," CENTCOM added in a separate post.

The US military did not provide details regarding the locations or targets involved in the reported strikes.

The developments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over maritime security and attacks involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transit route.