WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (MNN); The United States has launched fresh military strikes against multiple targets in Iran, further escalating tensions between the two countries amid an ongoing regional conflict.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the attacks were carried out on the orders of President Donald Trump and were described as “self-defence strikes” in response to what Washington called Iran’s continued and unjustified aggression. CENTCOM said U.S. forces targeted several locations inside Iran as part of efforts to protect American personnel and interests in the region.
Iranian media reported explosions in the southern cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Minab in Hormozgan Province following the strikes.
The latest attacks came a day after U.S. forces struck Iranian targets following the crash of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, an incident for which President Trump blamed Tehran.
Amid growing security concerns, the U.S. government issued a renewed advisory for American citizens in Iraq, urging them to remain alert, monitor local developments and prepare for possible travel disruptions and airspace closures. Washington also reiterated its earlier warning advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Iraq and encouraging those already there to leave the country.
Regional tensions have continued to rise since the outbreak of conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States. Following attacks on Iran earlier this year, Iran-backed militias in Iraq have repeatedly targeted American military bases and diplomatic facilities.
Meanwhile, Iran warned that any further American military action would be met with a severe response. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency quoted a military source as saying that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared and ready to respond to any aggression.
The source warned that if the United States carries out additional attacks, Iran would target new American interests across the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure during the latest strikes. In a statement posted on X, he claimed that U.S. forces destroyed two water reservoirs in Sirik, Hormozgan Province, with a combined storage capacity of 2,500 cubic metres.
According to Baghaei, the facilities provided drinking water to more than 20,000 residents across ten villages. He described the attack as a “calculated war crime” and a serious violation of international law, calling for accountability.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also condemned threats against the country and pledged that Iran would remain steadfast in the face of pressure.
In a message posted on X, Pezeshkian said threats against Iran’s transportation networks, electricity systems and water infrastructure reflected desperation rather than strength. He stressed that Iran would continue to resist external pressure and defend its national interests.
His remarks came shortly after President Trump warned that the United States would strike Iran “very hard” if Tehran failed to change its course.
Earlier, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was preparing major military action against what he described as key Iranian facilities.
Speaking to reporters at CENTCOM headquarters, Hegseth said the United States would carry out powerful strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s capabilities and improving conditions for American military operations in the region.
He expressed hope that Iran would choose diplomacy but emphasized that U.S. forces were prepared to act decisively if necessary.
The exchange of threats and military action has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with both sides signaling readiness for further escalation.
