India, July 16 -- The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified further on Wednesday as the US military launched a second wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes. The operation came hours after an earlier round of attacks and was aimed at weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels passing through the strategic waterway.

As fighting entered its fifth consecutive day, Tehran accused Washington of violating agreements, claimed attacks on American military bases in the Middle East, and vowed to continue its response.

US-Israel-Iran War Live News: CENTCOM Announces Second Wave of Strikes

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) conf...