THE US has launched strikes on Iran after Donald Trump held a high-stakes Situation Room meeting as his defence chief warned the US will “negotiate with bombs” if no deal is reached.
Multiple explosions were reported across southern Iran, in Bandar Abbas, state media reported.
The US launched strikes on Iran Credit: Getty
Trump held The president met with his top national security team on Wednesday as the threat of a fresh military blitz loomed Credit: Splash
U.S. official says all the targets that were attacked are in southern Iran and include air defence systems, radars and drone command and control units, Axios reported.
CENTOM wrote on X that the U.S. 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,” the statement added.
Throughout the day Trump continued to threaten strikes on Iran after telling reporters in the Oval Office: “Well, we are going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard.”
Multiple explosions were reported overnight in Iran, and it is understood that the US bombed two of its water reservoirs.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier warned that: “Critical infrastructures are the lifeblood of the people.
“Threats to target them – from transportation networks to the electricity and water industries – are not a show of strength but a sign of desperation in the face of a nation’s will.
“Iran, relying on the knowledge and capabilities of its specialists, national unity, and solidarity, will stand firm against any pressure or threat.”
The war footing comes as tensions spiral following a fierce exchange of strikes across the Middle East, pushing the region closer to all-out conflict.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a chilling warning from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida, making clear that bombs – not diplomacy – could decide what happens next.
“If they are not gonna make a deal we are gonna hit them hard,” he told soldiers, echoing Trump’s earlier threat.
Pete Hegseth issued warned from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida that bombs – not diplomacy – could decide what happens next Credit: X/clashreport
The White House has not commented.
Qatari mediators rushed to Tehran on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to revive stalled negotiations between the US and Iran.
But with no breakthrough in sight, US strikes could come next.
American forces already launched precision attacks on Tuesday night, blasting Iranian radar and air defence systems after a US Apache helicopter was downed.
Those strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid casualties – leaving the door open for a deal.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated after nearly two weeks of waiting for Iran to respond to his latest offer.
The president made his stance clear from the Oval Office.
“We are going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard,” he said when asked if bombing would resume.
“Yeah, well, based on the helicopter, I guess we have the right to do that.”
Footage showed Iran’s retaliatory strikes following new US attacks Credit: X
Alleged footage of the Iranian fresh strikes on Wednesday Credit: X
He also claimed the US has been secretly draining Iran’s oil supply, saying “millions of barrels of oil” are being taken every night.
Explosions have already rocked parts of Iran overnight, with reports the US hit key infrastructure targets.
Iran hit back with fury – launching retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting US-linked sites in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.
Drone and missile attacks struck key military targets, including the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the Azraq Airbase in Jordan.
Iran warned that if attacks continue, “even more severe” retaliation will follow.
“The criminal US military should know that if aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran is repeated, even more severe and widespread attacks will be carried out,” the regime said.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned: “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”
“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination.”
“Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered.”
The latest escalation comes after Iran and Israel resumed direct strikes for the first time since Trump’s fragile ceasefire in April began to collapse.
The crisis deepened when a US Apache helicopter went down over the Strait of Hormuz – an incident Trump blamed on Iran.
US Central Command said its strikes were a “self-defence” response, hitting Iranian military systems with precision air power.
Trump hailed the attacks as “very strong” – warning they were just the beginning.
On social media, he branded Iran’s military “a complete and total mess” and declared: “The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!!”
He added that Tehran had “taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them – now they will have to pay the price!!!”
Despite the escalating conflict, Trump has not ruled out a deal – insisting both sides were “really close”.
But he made clear Iran must never have nuclear capability.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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