US Launches 13th Night of Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions and Rejected Ceasefire Offer

The United States military conducted its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets late Thursday into Friday, escalating tensions as the weekend approaches. These strikes targeted military bases, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and naval capabilities across southern and southwestern Iran, including cities such as Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, and others in Hormozgan, Khuzestan, and Lorestan provinces. Iran reported explosions and activated air defenses in Tehran.

The New York Times revealed that Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump, which was delivered through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Al-Zaidi met with top Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian sources said the regime dismissed the offer as it did not resolve control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi criticized the US approach as "illogical and greedy," emphasizing that both Tehran and Washington have sufficient intermediaries.

President Trump warned that any damage to ships would be paid for with Iranian funds held by the US, calling it a "fair and just" measure. Iran’s Foreign Minister responded on social media, calling the move a "dangerous and provocative precedent" and warned of ensuing chaos. Iranian military sources indicated preparations for a possible regional escalation, including potential attacks on Tel Aviv and urging Houthi rebels in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and reduce threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping. Despite attacks, international waterways remain open, with commercial vessels continuing to transit freely under US protection. Intelligence reports suggest Iran may strike Israel first to provoke a wider conflict. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting amid heightened alertness and civil defense preparations, including opening public shelters in some municipalities.

The ongoing conflict has seen daily Iranian drone and missile attacks on US bases and infrastructure in the Gulf and Jordan, alongside US strikes on Iranian military and civilian infrastructure. The number of oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to a low since early May, reflecting the conflict’s impact on regional maritime traffic.