US forces launch new strikes against Iran, CENTCOM says

U.S. forces have initiated a new series of strikes against Iran, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The military action, directed by the Commander in Chief, began Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The objective is to further degrade Iranian military infrastructure that CENTCOM claims is used to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“

Today at 4 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began a new round of strikes against Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction. The strikes are designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM announced the strikes via a post on X, formerly Twitter. The command stated the strikes are designed to degrade Iranian military capabilities. This action comes amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region. Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that a U.S. cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed over Rudbar-e Jonub in southeastern Iran. Explosions were also reportedly heard in Bandar Abbas and Sirik in southern Iran.

Developments in the region indicate a widening crisis. CNN reported that Kuwait intercepted "hostile targets," while sirens sounded in Bahrain. Jordan announced it had downed Iranian missiles. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated a hardline stance, issuing a directive for stern retaliation against any Iranian attacks that result in American casualties. He vowed that Iran would pay "many times over" for any American lives lost.

“

Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over! This directive has been passed on to Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Daniel Caine, and every Leader in the Military.

Iranian state media detailed explosions across multiple cities, including the northwestern hub of Tabriz and along the southern coastline, suggesting a broader geographical scope for the military operations. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has vowed to teach the United States an "unforgettable lesson" against aggression. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is engaged in a "full-scale war" with the U.S., extending beyond military strikes and warning that the country must accept consequences while defending its interests.

“

Tehran is engaged in a "full-scale war" with the United States, asserting that the conflict extends beyond military strikes and warning that the country must accept the consequences of its resistance while continuing to defend its national interests.