US attacks multiple targets in Iran after helicopter hit, Strait of Hormuz now closed

US forces ​began launching strikes against ​multiple targets ​in Iran on Wednesday, according to an X post by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Several explosions were heard early on Thursday in different areas of Iran's southern Hormozgan province, while air defense systems were activated in the capital, Tehran, and in multiple southern provinces, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

CENTCOM said the strikes are "self-defense" measures "in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression," as Iran downed a US Apache helicopter which was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. 

US President Donald Trump told reporters earlier on Wednesday at the White House, "We're going to ​be attacking them, attacking them very hard."

After the US launched the attacks, Iran responded by claiming the "closure" of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced early Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships, due to security threats in the waterway.

"Effective immediately, due to insecurity in the region, the Strait of Hormuz is declared closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships," Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a post on its official Telegram. "Any vessel attempting to transit the strait will be targeted."

In a statement carried by Iranian media, the headquarters cited ongoing US "malicious acts" and attacks earlier in the day on areas in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, warning that any vessel attempting to transit the strait will be targeted.

However, CENTCOM said that commercial vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting claims by the IRGC. 

IRGC also claims that it struck and destroyed 18 US "important targets" belonging to US forces at Ali Al-Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber air bases in Kuwait and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.

While exchanges of fire are underway, Trump said that Iran had "taken too long to negotiate a deal" and would have to "pay the price," according to a post on Truth Social. 

Meanwhile, a Qatari delegation has traveled to Tehran to meet with Iranian negotiators "in an effort to bridge the remaining gaps," according to CNN reports. 

(With input from agencies)