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The U.S. military has launched new strikes against Iran. The strikes began early Wednesday, hours after three merchant ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials say the strikes hit a variety of military sites and port facilities. It was the latest exchange of fire to threaten the interim deal to end the fighting between the two countries. The renewed attacks were sure to add to the difficulty of the negotiations aimed at fully reopening the strait, roll back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program and reach a permanent end to the war launched Feb. 28. A similar spate of Iranian attacks on shipping and U.S. retaliation occurred late last month.