US Launches 13th Consecutive Night of Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has initiated a 13th consecutive night of military strikes targeting Iran, focusing on military sites to hold Tehran accountable and reduce threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against commercial shipping. CENTCOM announced the new wave of attacks late Friday, confirming the ongoing campaign's objective to deter Iranian aggression in regional waters.

Following the announcement, Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, and along the southern coast of Qeshm Island. Social media footage showed the strikes impacting Bandar Abbas. These attacks came hours after US President Donald Trump indicated in an interview with Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that he was considering a massive military operation against Iran, larger than any previous action. Trump acknowledged the significant consequences such a decision would entail but stated he had not yet finalized it.

Trump also mentioned that Israel could join the operation within minutes if requested, though he emphasized that the US did not require assistance to proceed. Later that night, Trump issued a stern warning on his social media platform Truth Social, declaring that the US would impose direct economic costs on Iran for any damage to shipping freedom. He stated that any harm to vessels or cargo would be paid for with Iranian funds held under US control, describing this as a fair and just response.

The ongoing strikes and Trump's statements underscore escalating US-Iran tensions, with potential implications for regional security and international maritime navigation. The situation remains fluid as the US weighs further military options.