The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that fresh exchanges of strikes have taken place between US and Iranian forces, even as both sides continue attempts to uphold a fragile ceasefire alongside ongoing negotiations.

According to CENTCOM, US forces carried out overnight self-defence strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after what it described as attempted attacks by Iranian forces across the Middle East.

The command also stated that, prior to the strikes, US forces disabled an unladen oil tanker that was reportedly heading toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf.

Iranian authorities allegedly described the incident involving the vessel as the trigger for renewed hostilities between both sides.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it responded by targeting a US-Israeli vessel with naval missiles, escalating the exchange of fire.

In response, US forces reportedly struck an IRGC communications tower located south of Qeshm Island.

The IRGC further claimed it launched missiles and drones at multiple US military positions, including an airbase, the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and helicopter facilities in a regional country.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions and fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the region.