US Military Completes Extensive Strikes on Southern Iran Following Trump Threats

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it carried out a broad wave of airstrikes overnight targeting multiple sites in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Abadan, Ahvaz, and Qeshm Island. These strikes marked the first such military action in six days, following a recent escalation and a week-long lull in hostilities. The US military described the operation as a "strong response" to Iranian missile attacks on American forces in Jordan. Targets included drone facilities, naval capabilities, and coastal defense bases.

The strikes followed threats from US President Donald Trump, who warned of a severe response to Iran's actions. Trump stated, "We will hit them very hard. They know it’s coming and asked us not to do it. There is very little they can do. This is a different group than the one we were dealing with. They apologized. Five missiles were fired, all were intercepted. Now it’s our turn. We’ll see if we can reach a deal." He later intensified his rhetoric, saying in US media, "We will blow them out of the water."

According to a Wall Street Journal report, CENTCOM, led by Admiral Brad Cooper, has prepared a plan for a gradual escalation over 10 to 14 days. Cooper believes limited strikes so far have been insufficient to deter Iran and advocates for significantly stronger attacks to break the current stalemate. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports this plan, while Trump is reportedly considering more limited strikes to keep diplomatic channels open.

In parallel, the US military, alongside Saudi forces, targeted pro-Iranian militia sites in eastern Iraq in response to over 30 drone attacks in the past 72 hours against US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure. Earlier, CENTCOM announced that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched several ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan, all of which were successfully intercepted. Jordanian sources confirmed the interception of five Iranian missiles aimed at their territory.