The United States has launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran after President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would face further attacks for taking “too long” to negotiate a deal aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced on Wednesday that it had begun what it described as “self-defense strikes” against multiple targets inside Iran. According to Centcom, the operation was carried out in response to what it called Iran’s continued and unjustified aggression.
Shortly after the strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly attacked two vessels in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said the action followed a military warning that all ships passing through the waterway could become targets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, serving as a major corridor for global oil and energy exports. Any disruption to traffic through the strait has the potential to impact international markets and regional security.
Reports also indicated that explosions were heard on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, as well as in several southern cities, including Bandar Abbas and Sirik.
In response to the latest U.S. military action, Iran’s top military leadership warned that all vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, including commercial ships and oil tankers, could face attack. The IRGC Navy later claimed responsibility for striking two oil tankers, accusing them of attempting what it called an “illegal passage” through the waterway.
Earlier in the day, President Trump signaled further military action, stating that the United States had struck Iran hard and would continue to do so.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iranian leaders of delaying negotiations, saying they had taken too long to reach an agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded by accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy through contradictory actions and messages.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that his country would resist pressure and threats, insisting that Tehran would remain firm in defending its interests.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later confirmed that additional military operations were planned, stating that bombs would continue to target key Iranian facilities. He argued that Iran had been given opportunities to negotiate but had failed to reach a deal, prompting the renewed military response.
The latest escalation follows a ceasefire agreement reached in April that was intended to pause hostilities for two weeks. Although both sides largely avoided a return to full-scale conflict, sporadic exchanges of fire continued and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting agreement have struggled to gain momentum.
Tensions intensified further after a U.S. military helicopter was reportedly shot down on Tuesday in an attack Washington blamed on Iran. In retaliation, the IRGC launched strikes against U.S. military installations across the Middle East.
The renewed exchange of attacks marks one of the most serious escalations between the United States and Iran in recent months, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of international shipping routes.
