US Launches 13th Night of Airstrikes Across Iran Amid Rejected Ceasefire Offer

The United States military conducted a widespread series of airstrikes across Iran for the 13th consecutive night, targeting 16 cities including the capital Tehran, where air defense systems were activated. The strikes began at 18:45 Eastern US time and lasted over two hours, hitting Iranian military headquarters, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and naval capabilities. This escalation follows President Donald Trump's warning of a "massive attack larger than ever before" against Iran.

Simultaneously, Iran rejected a new ceasefire proposal relayed by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, who met with Iranian leadership including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian officials told The New York Times the regime was unwilling to accept a temporary deal that left control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz unresolved. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi criticized the US as "illogical and greedy," emphasizing that the issue lies with America's stance rather than message transmission.

President Trump also declared that any damage to ships or cargo would be compensated using Iranian funds held by the US, a move Iranian officials called a "dangerous and provocative precedent." The strikes caused explosions and casualties in southern and southwestern Iranian cities such as Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, and ports along the Persian Gulf. Iranian sources warned that if the US targets Tehran or critical infrastructure, Iran may expand the conflict regionally, including potential attacks on Tel Aviv and urging Houthi rebels in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In response to the heightened tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a security cabinet meeting amid intelligence assessments that Iran might strike Israel first to provoke a broader confrontation. Meanwhile, several Israeli municipalities opened public shelters despite no official Home Front Command directive. The Israeli Defense Forces remain on high alert for possible escalation over the weekend.

Data from Kpler showed only one oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, marking a low since early May, reflecting the conflict's impact on regional maritime traffic.