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

The United States military conducted its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets between Thursday and Friday, escalating tensions as the weekend approaches. This surge follows President Donald Trump's recent statement that he is considering a "massive attack larger than ever before" on Iran. Explosions were reported across multiple southern and southwestern Iranian cities, alongside activation of air defense systems in Tehran.

Simultaneously, the New York Times reported that Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal from Trump, delivered via Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Al-Zaidi, who met Trump earlier this month, visited Iran with senior officials and met with President Masoud Pezhkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian sources told the Times that Tehran dismissed the ceasefire offer as it did not resolve control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The ongoing conflict has intensified over the past two weeks, with the US targeting both military bases and civilian infrastructure such as airports, bridges, and seaports. Iran has responded with daily drone and missile attacks on US bases and infrastructure in the Gulf region and Jordan, also targeting oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump warned that any damage to ships would be compensated using Iranian funds seized by the US, a move criticized by Iran's Foreign Minister as setting a dangerous precedent.

CENTCOM confirmed the latest strikes targeted Iranian military headquarters, drone storage, communication networks, coastal surveillance, and naval capabilities to reduce threats to commercial shipping. Despite the attacks, international waterways remain open, though tanker traffic through Hormuz has dropped to a low since early May. Reports from Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen indicated that 16 Iranian cities were hit overnight, with casualties and infrastructure damage reported.

Amid fears of further escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a security cabinet meeting. Intelligence assessments suggest Iran might strike Israel first to provoke a wider conflict. Israeli officials and local authorities are preparing for potential attacks, with some opening public shelters despite no official Home Front Command directive. The Israel Defense Forces remain on high alert for rapid developments.

Summary: The US has carried out 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes on Iran amid escalating hostilities, while Iran rejected a US ceasefire offer. Both sides continue targeting military and civilian infrastructure, raising fears of broader regional conflict. Israel prepares for possible Iranian retaliation as tensions mount.

Points: - US conducts 13th straight night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure. - Iran rejects ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. - Explosions reported in 16 Iranian cities, with casualties and power outages. - Trump threatens to use Iranian funds to compensate damage to ships amid Strait of Hormuz tensions. - Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes security cabinet amid intelligence warnings of possible Iranian strike. - Israeli authorities prepare shelters and IDF remains on high alert for rapid escalation.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Donald Trump","Ali al-Zaidi","Masoud Pezhkian","Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf","Abbas Araghchi","Benjamin Netanyahu","Moshe Saada"],"organizations":["United States military","CENTCOM","New York Times","Hezbollah","Israel Defense Forces","Home Front Command"],"places":["Iran","Tehran","Strait of Hormuz","Iraq","Jordan","Israel","Bab al-Mandab Strait"]}