WASHINGTON: The United States carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday (local time), targeting coastal defence systems and missile infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz as military tensions between the two countries continued to escalate.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation focused on degrading Iranian military capabilities used to threaten commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
“At 3 pm ET today, US Central Command forces began launching an additional round of strikes against Iran,” CENTCOM said in a post on X, adding that the attacks were intended to hold Iran accountable under the direction of the US President.
Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian media reported explosions in several parts of the country following the strikes.
According to Mehr News Agency, projectiles struck an area near Bandar Abbas, while multiple explosions were also heard in Chabahar and Ahvaz. Iranian authorities did not immediately release information on casualties or the extent of the damage.
Greater Tunb Island Among Key Targets
Earlier on Wednesday, US forces also struck Greater Tunb Island, targeting Iranian coastal defence installations along with cruise missile storage and launch facilities.
CENTCOM said the operation lasted around 90 minutes and was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Greater Tunb is one of several strategically important islands that form part of Iran’s defensive network overlooking the vital shipping lane.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint
The latest strikes follow Washington’s decision to restore a naval blockade on Iranian ports and intensify operations around the Strait of Hormuz.
The confrontation has deepened since Iran announced over the weekend that it had closed the waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments previously passed. Shipping traffic has since declined sharply, while Brent crude settled at a one-month high of $84.95 per barrel on Wednesday.
Iran Calls Conflict an ‘Existential War’
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf described the confrontation as an “existential war” with the United States, saying Iran’s security depended on maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned it could expand the conflict by targeting additional regional energy export routes, raising concerns that shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could also come under threat.
Trump Presses Iran to Return to Talks
US President Donald Trump continued to pressure Tehran to resume negotiations, warning that Washington could target Iranian energy infrastructure if diplomatic efforts failed.
“I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,” Trump said on Tuesday. Asked whether Iran had a deadline to return to negotiations, he replied that Tehran “better behave” and suggested Iranian officials understood the consequences of refusing a deal.
Iran, however, rejected the prospect of immediate talks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had no plans to resume negotiations and remained focused on defending the country.
The continued exchange of military action has further diminished hopes of reviving the ceasefire reached last month, which had been intended to create a pathway toward broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and a lasting end to hostilities.
