US launches fifth consecutive night of strikes against Iran: CENTCOM

US Central Command said Thursday that American forces initiated a fifth consecutive night of strikes against Iran at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, continuing operations to degrade Iranian military capabilities as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz enter a second week of hostilities. "At 2 p.m. ET today, U.S. forces began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran for the fifth consecutive night to further degrade Iranian military capabilities," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The bombardment marks the latest escalation since Washington and Tehran exchanged attacks over the strategic waterway, derailing a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and reaching a lasting peace agreement.

White House accuses Iran of violating ceasefire

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said earlier that the renewed strikes came "because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding that we struck with them." She told reporters that Tehran had specifically pledged not to fire on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz under the agreement.

"Specifically, in the memorandum of understanding that they signed, they were not to fire on commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz, and unfortunately, they have made the tragic decision for them to do that," Leavitt said.

Tehran denounces 'war crimes'

Iran on Thursday accused Washington of committing "war crimes" by targeting civilian infrastructure in the strikes, saying the attacks violated international law and the UN Charter. The allegations came as the US announced Tuesday that it had resumed a naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

Tensions have flared since late February despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both sides exchanging attacks across the Persian Gulf region and Washington tightening economic pressure through maritime restrictions.