US launches new attacks on Iran in response to 'aggression'

The U.S. military launched new "self-defense strikes" against multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom). The strikes were carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump and are described as a "response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression."

Centcom announced the action via X (formerly Twitter) at 5:15 p.m. ET, stating that the strikes were in response to Iran's continued aggression. The command did not specify the duration of the attacks or the exact targets.

This development follows a period of heightened tensions and exchanges of fire. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth indicated that the U.S. would "strike hard tonight" against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. accuses Iran of attacking an American helicopter, though the soldiers aboard survived. President Trump had previously stated that the U.S. would "hit Iran hard."

The past night saw significant exchanges, with U.S. forces reportedly bombing targets in southern Iran in retaliation for the alleged downing of a helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, claimed to have bombed 18 U.S. military targets across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, a claim that Washington has denied.

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U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.