WASHINGTON — The United States carried out a ninth consecutive night of military strikes against Iranian targets early Monday, saying the operations were aimed at degrading capabilities used in attacks on U.S. forces and commercial shipping after a deadly Iranian strike on a U.S. military installation in Jordan.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest wave of strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance sites, missile and drone launch positions, maritime capabilities and communications infrastructure. The command said the operations were intended to reduce Iran's ability to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and to conduct further attacks on U.S. personnel.
The campaign follows an Iranian missile and drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that U.S. officials said killed two American service members and left another initially unaccounted for. The Jordan attack prompted President Donald Trump's administration to authorize additional strikes against Iranian military assets.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several parts of the country overnight, including in southern coastal areas and other locations where air defenses were activated. Iranian authorities said U.S. attacks had struck military and strategic facilities, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it continued retaliatory operations against U.S. military positions in the region. Those claims could not be independently verified.
The renewed military exchanges have further heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route. Iranian officials have warned that commercial navigation through the waterway remains at risk, while the United States has said its operations are intended to protect freedom of navigation and commercial maritime traffic.
The fighting has contributed to higher oil prices as shipping activity through the strait slowed amid growing security concerns. Energy markets have closely monitored the conflict because of the waterway's importance for global crude exports.
No indication of an immediate diplomatic breakthrough was announced on Monday. U.S. officials said military operations would continue as directed, while Iranian authorities maintained that they would respond to further attacks. Both sides have continued to exchange statements as the regional security situation remains volatile.
