The United States launched airstrikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, targeting key military infrastructure as tensions between the two countries escalated further. Iran warned Washington against attacking its nuclear facilities and threatened retaliation if the conflict widens. According to the US Central Command (Centcom), the strikes hit military operations centres, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported that air defence systems were activated in the capital, Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak and Bushehr, where Iran’s only nuclear power plant is located.
Trump Warns Of Strike On Nuclear Site
US President Donald Trump said the next possible military target could be Pickaxe Mountain, an underground nuclear facility near Natanz that is suspected of housing an undeclared uranium enrichment site. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US could strike the area “very heavily” and claimed Iran would be unable to stop such an attack.
Iran Threatens Retaliation
Iran warned that any attack on its nuclear facilities would significantly expand the conflict. Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya military command said it would target American interests, along with the interests of US allies and supporters, if such an attack takes place.
The Strait of Hormuz continues to remain a key flashpoint in the conflict. The US accused Iran of attacking more than 30 commercial ships in the strategic waterway over the past three months, saying the attacks endangered international shipping. Centcom said the Strait remains open for commercial traffic despite the ongoing tensions.
“The unwarranted attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent mariners and undermined freedom of navigation,” it said, adding the waterway remained “open for commercial vessel transit”.
Regional Tensions Continue To Rise
Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted Iranian drones, while Bahrain and Jordan also reported intercepting missiles and drones. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to block Saudi ships from using the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another important global shipping route. The move could further disrupt global oil transport as the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure.
Ceasefire Between US And Iran Has Collapsed
The US and Iran had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June to halt military operations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement collapsed after renewed attacks on commercial ships and fresh US military action. President Trump later declared the ceasefire “over”. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the conflict has now cost the United States $37.5 billion, nearly $8 billion more than earlier estimates. He warned that military training programmes could be affected unless additional funding is approved.
