The US launched fresh strikes on military targets across Iran for a second day, while Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened retaliation amid escalating regional tensions.
“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” CENTCOM said. “US forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready.”
Iran has threatened retaliation. Missile sirens sounded in Bahrain, which hosts US troops. Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Minab in southern Iran.
Earlier, CENTCOM said it was striking “multiple targets in Iran” following Iranian attacks in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which host US forces. The exchanges marked the third episode this week of military action between the two sides despite a two-month ceasefire.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would “stand firm” and criticized US threats. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States “will be hitting Iran hard.”
Among the day’s developments, Iran’s top military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the latest US strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted two vessels attempting to cross the waterway.
Iranian media also reported explosions and air defense activity in southern Iran and western Tehran. Separately, the US military said it “disabled” a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that was “attempting to transport oil from Iran.”
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes in the south killed at least 12 people and wounded 13 others, including two paramedics, on Wednesday.
Follow our live coverage for the latest updates on the US-Iran conflict and developments across West Asia.
