US Launches Extensive Airstrikes on Iran Following Trump Warning

The United States military initiated a broad wave of airstrikes against Iran late Thursday night, targeting locations in the Fars province and Ahvaz, according to a senior US official cited by Israeli news outlet Channel 12. The US military confirmed the strikes began at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, describing them as a strong response to Iranian attacks on American forces stationed in the Middle East the previous day. Iranian media reported heavy explosions in Norabad in Fars province, the port city of Sirik, and Ahvaz.

These strikes came just hours after US President Donald Trump publicly warned that Washington would take military action against Iran, stating, "The Iranians know we are going to hit them today. It's our turn, we will hit them hard. They asked us not to do it." Trump added, "They know it's coming and can't do anything about it. Now it's our turn. Let's see if we can reach an agreement."

Prior to the airstrikes, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was considering resuming military operations against Tehran, with US forces preparing plans for a large-scale air campaign lasting 10 to 14 days aimed at disabling Iran's missile infrastructure. A US official told the newspaper that as of Wednesday afternoon, Trump was not surprised by Iran's return to hostilities and was in an escalatory mindset.