The United States launched airstrikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, targeting military infrastructure as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate and Tehran warned against attacks on its nuclear facilities.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
The military said it targeted operations centres, maritime assets, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities and logistics infrastructure.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak and Bushehr, home to Iran’s only nuclear power plant, as Iranian state media said air defence systems were activated.
The strikes came after US President Donald Trump said Washington could soon target an underground nuclear facility near Natanz, known as Pickaxe Mountain. Iran warned that any attack on its nuclear infrastructure would be regarded as an expansion of the conflict and threatened retaliation against US interests and those of its allies.
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The latest escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreed in April, with both countries resuming hostilities over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
The conflict also widened on Wednesday as Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian drones, while Bahrain and Jordan reported shooting down drones and missiles entering their airspace.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to block Saudi shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, prompting concerns of further disruption to global energy supplies. Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude reportedly altered their routes following the announcement.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the conflict has cost the United States about $37.5 billion, warning that military training could face cuts unless Congress approves additional funding.
