New Delhi, July 13 -- The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iran on Sunday, intensifying military operations aimed at weakening Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington and Tehran continued to issue conflicting claims over whether the vital waterway remains open.

The latest strikes came just hours after Iran retaliated against earlier US attacks by launching missiles and drones at several Gulf countries hosting American military forces, pushing already fragile ceasefire negotiations closer to collapse.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest operation began at 5 p.m. ET under orders from President Donald Trump.

"At 5 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command...