New Delhi, July 9 -- Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated once again after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered fresh military strikes, following Washington's allegation that Tehran targeted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran reported explosions in several southern coastal cities following the strikes. In a post on X, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation targeted military sites that it said posed a threat to freedom of navigation.

Iran, meanwhile, said it targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for the American strikes, which Washington said were carried out in response to attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The attacks have further undermine...