The United States has conducted airstrikes against Iran in response to the deaths of two military personnel and the disappearance of a third following an Iranian attack in Jordan.

Central Command confirmed the strikes, launched at 8am AEST, aimed to degrade Iran's ability to restrict oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.The attacks come amid heightened tensions, with an explosive drone shot down near the US consulate in Erbil, Iraq.Iran's semi-official media outlet confirmed the strikes near Sirik, Hormozgan province, citing US President Donald Trump's authorization.

The operation seeks to punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces for the attacks and safeguard commercial shipping in the strategically vital waterway.

US forces emphasized the strikes' dual purpose of retaliation and deterrence, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical conflict between the two nations.