U.S. conducts fresh airstrikes on Iran amid escalating Gulf tensions
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United States carried out a new wave of overnight airstrikes against targets inside Iran, the U.S. Central Command announced late Wednesday, describing the operation as a response to what it called “Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”
CENTCOM added that its forces “launched strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran. U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to U.S. forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters.”
At the same time, the administration of President Donald Trump signaled the possibility of further military escalation if a deal with Tehran is not reached soon, emphasizing that the strikes are intended to increase both military and diplomatic pressure on Iran.
The latest escalation has been particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has threatened to target any vessel passing through the strategic waterway. Washington, however, denied that the strait had been closed and said maritime traffic continues under U.S. military protection.
Several explosions were also reported across southern Iranian cities, as both sides exchanged accusations over attacks on civilian and military facilities amid the ongoing confrontation.
The developments come against the backdrop of the effective collapse of the fragile ceasefire announced in April. In recent months, the United States and Iran have exchanged attacks, including strikes on Iranian air defense sites and missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases in the region.
Despite the increasingly confrontational rhetoric, diplomatic efforts and mediation channels remain active. A Qatari delegation has arrived in Tehran to explore ways to contain the crisis and prevent further escalation.
The conflict has also cast a shadow over global energy markets, disrupting portions of oil and gas supplies and driving prices higher, while becoming a growing domestic political challenge for the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise amid escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as Washington and Tehran remain divided over key issues, including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and Iran’s nuclear program.