US Launches New Strikes on Iran as Regional Tensions Escalate
WASHINGTON: The United States has carried out another wave of military strikes against Iran, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operation is aimed at weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement released by CENTCOM on Sunday, American forces began the latest operation at 5 p.m. Eastern Time under the direction of President Donald Trump. The military said the strikes were intended to hold Iranian forces accountable while reducing their capability to target civilian and commercial vessels navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
The latest action follows a series of large-scale attacks conducted over recent days. CENTCOM said approximately 140 Iranian military targets were struck on Saturday, including missile and drone launch sites, naval assets, ammunition depots, communications infrastructure and coastal surveillance facilities.
The command added that US forces have hit more than 300 military targets during three consecutive nights of operations, describing the campaign as part of broader efforts to protect international maritime security.
The escalation comes after Iran reportedly targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and announced the closure of the strategic waterway until further notice, raising concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities said they launched attacks against US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman. The United Arab Emirates also reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones aimed at its territory.
CENTCOM also rejected reports circulated by Iranian media claiming that three US service members were killed in Kuwait during the attacks.
“The reports are false,” the command said, adding that no American personnel have been killed or injured in the region and that all service members have been accounted for.
The latest military exchanges mark another significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with regional security and freedom of navigation remaining central concerns as the conflict continues to unfold.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE