Washington: The United States has carried out another round of military strikes against Iran, marking the ninth consecutive night of operations as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate. The latest action, announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), was described as part of an ongoing effort to weaken Iran’s military capabilities linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the latest strikes began at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday and were aimed at degrading military assets that Washington alleges have been used to target civilian vessels and maritime traffic passing through the strategically important waterway.
The military command indicated that the operations are intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping and that the campaign would continue as part of its broader mission in the region.
Shortly after the announcement, Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Mahshahr, the Imam Khomeini port area and the city of Tabriz. Air defence systems were also reportedly activated in Konarak in southern Iran, although Iranian authorities did not immediately provide details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties.
Speaking to reporters, US President Donald Trump said the strikes had inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military infrastructure. He asserted that Tehran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened and claimed the United States now held control over security in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran has been very badly damaged. They have almost lost everything militarily,” Trump said, adding, “We control the Strait; they don’t control anything.”
The President said the latest military action was also intended to honour American service members who had lost their lives in West Asia.
Trump further maintained that the campaign was aimed at preventing Iran from developing the capability to deploy a nuclear missile, describing the strikes as part of Washington’s broader effort to eliminate that possibility.
The renewed exchange of hostilities has added to concerns over regional stability, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical route for global energy supplies. The latest developments are expected to heighten international attention on the growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran, even as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain uncertain.
