WASHINGTON — The United States launched a third consecutive night of military strikes against Iranian targets on Monday, expanding operations that U.S. officials said were intended to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as the confrontation between the two countries intensified.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation began at the direction of President Donald Trump and lasted about five hours. The command said U.S. forces struck military targets in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas, using precision-guided munitions against coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, surveillance assets and other maritime capabilities. CENTCOM said the objective was to further reduce Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels and regional shipping.
Earlier on Monday, Trump said additional military action would continue while maintaining that a negotiated agreement with Tehran remained possible. The White House has said the renewed campaign followed attacks on commercial shipping that Washington attributes to Iran, allegations that Tehran disputes.
Iranian state-linked media reported explosions in several locations in southern Iran, including near Bandar Abbas, but Iranian authorities did not immediately provide a comprehensive assessment of damage or casualties. Independent verification of the full extent of the strikes was not immediately available.
The latest strikes came amid rising tensions across the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates said Iranian missile attacks struck two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and injuring several others. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted vessels it accused of violating its warnings, while the competing claims could not immediately be independently verified.
The renewed fighting has prompted growing international concern over regional stability and the security of one of the world's busiest energy shipping lanes. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that the return to direct hostilities between the United States and Iran posed severe risks to civilians and could disrupt the flow of food, medicine and other essential goods throughout the region. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
No new diplomatic breakthrough had been announced by late Monday, and neither Washington nor Tehran indicated that military operations had concluded. U.S. officials said the campaign remained focused on military objectives, while Iranian authorities continued to condemn the attacks and vowed to respond, leaving the regional security situation highly volatile.
