US forces have launched a new wave of strikes at Iran, following days of escalating violence. In response, Iran has targeted the US fifth fleet in Bahrain and says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, warning any ship that attempts to pass through will be targeted. As tensions continue to build, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined international allies in calling for de-escalation during a visit to the UK.
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TRANSCRIPT:
US forces have launched a new wave of strikes on Iran for the second consecutive day.
In a statement, the US Central command says it has completed its latest round of strikes, targeting Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defence sites across Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier warned of the impending bombardment on key Iranian facilities.
"President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be, because Iran has a chance to make a good deal, a great deal to codify what they said they've been willing to do, and they haven't been willing to do it."
It follows a series of US airstrikes against Iran on Wednesday [[10 June]], which Iran responded too with retaliatory strikes launched at Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which host US troops.
The renewed exchange of fire began after President Trump accused Iran of shooting down a US military helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahead of the latest round of strikes, Trump said Tehran would pay the price for stalled negotiations.
"We hit them hard yesterday. And we're going to hit them again hard today in case you miss it, in case you don't turn on your television set and we'll see what happens with the deal. We were really close to the deal. But they keep tapping us along. They keep playing us for suckers."
The President has since told Fox News that he spoke directly with Iranian officials who requested he stop strikes on the country.
Iranian state media has denied the conversation, saying Iran targeted the US fifth fleet in Bahrain with drones in response to the latest US attacks.
The US says none of the strikes hit their targets.
Senior Iranian Armed Forces spokesman General Abolfazl Shekarchi vowed earlier Iran would respond forcefully to any aggression from the US.
“We will never back down in the face of the global system of domination, and these devils, especially the cursed Trump and wicked (Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin) Netanyahu. There is no reason for concern. The hand of God is over our heads, praise to Allah, and we are determined to defeat the enemy and we will, God willing."
Iran's joint military command has now announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels.
Citing Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy, Iranian State media has reported two US ships violating the closure have been struck, which the US military denies.
US Central Command says commercial ships continue to pass through the Strait unhindered.
Earlier, President Trump revealed over 100 million barrels of crude oil had passed through the Straits of Hormuz as part of what he called a secret US mission to support oil tankers.
"We're taking out millions, which I'm just announcing today for the first time. But, we've been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night to gather oil. But now, I'm going to tell you, because they just figured it out. So, now that they figured it out, I can tell you."
President Trump maintains a deal to end the war is close, claiming Iran has agreed not obtain a nuclear weapon.
But a formal agreement is yet to be signed.
Meanwhile the recent escalation in tensions has drawn condemnation from international leaders, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is urging a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Ms Wong is on a visit to Europe and the United Kingdom with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, aimed at strengthening international relationships.
Speaking alongside UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, Ms Wong says the developments in the Middle East highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
"Australia continues to support efforts for a negotiated end to the war. We know the ceasefire is fragile but it must hold and it must continue to be strengthened. Crucially we all want to see the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation restored. We thank the United Kingdom for its leadership there; Australia remains committed to playing our role."
