The United States has launched air strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Tehran has warned Washington that any strike on its nuclear facilities would be considered an extension of the conflict, threatening attacks on American interests and its allies in the region.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the latest wave of attacks targeted Iranian military operations centers, naval facilities, aircraft hangars, drone depots and military logistics infrastructure. According to it, the operations are aimed at weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, Iranian state media reported that air defense systems were activated in Tehran, while explosions were also heard in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak and Bushehr, where Iran's only nuclear power plant is located.
CENTCOM accused Iran of attacking more than 30 merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the past three months, stressing that these attacks have endangered freedom of navigation and the safety of hundreds of sailors. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that the next target could be the underground nuclear complex “Pickaxe Mountain”, near Natanz, where according to the US, Iran is building an undeclared facility for uranium enrichment. “We will hit that area very quickly and very hard. There is nothing they can do to stop it”, Trump declared during a meeting at the White House with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
In its response, the Iranian military command Khatam Al-Anbiya warned that an attack on nuclear facilities would be considered an expansion of the war throughout the region, threatening attacks on all American interests, their allies and supporters. The escalation of the conflict has also been reflected in neighboring countries. The Kuwaiti military announced that its air defense systems were engaged to neutralize Iranian drones, while Bahrain and Jordan reported that they had intercepted drones and missiles.
The situation has been further tense after warnings from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who announced the blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Saudi ships. As a result, two Saudi oil tankers changed their route, turning towards the Suez Canal.
Analysts warn that these developments risk further disruptions to international shipping and sharp fluctuations in global oil prices. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Budget Committee that the war with Iran has so far cost the US about $37.5 billion, about $8 billion more than the estimate made in May. He warned that, without additional funding from Congress, the US military will be forced to limit military activities and exercises.
