US Forces Complete Fresh Strikes on Iran; Trump Claims Tehran Wants Talks
The United States completed another round of large-scale airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, targeting around 90 military sites as Washington intensified its campaign following renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Soon after the operation, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had reached out to negotiate, saying Tehran “wants to make a deal.”
CENTCOM Targets 90 Military Sites
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, missile and drone storage sites, naval assets and military logistics infrastructure along Iran’s southern coastline.
According to CENTCOM, the operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Washington accused Tehran of attacking commercial vessels earlier this week.
The military described the strikes as part of efforts to ensure freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most important energy trade routes.
Rail Links Disrupted After Bridge Strikes
Reports indicated that US cruise missiles also struck two railway bridges in northern Iran, marking the first reported attack on transport infrastructure since the ceasefire announced in April. Iranian authorities suspended train services between Tehran and Mashhad, blaming what they called a “US-Israeli attack.” State media said repair crews had been deployed while road transport was being arranged for stranded passengers.
The disruption came just hours before the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad.
Explosions Across Southern Iran
Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Konarak, Sirik and Bushehr, with parts of Chabahar experiencing power outages following the strikes. Iran’s Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured during the latest two days of US attacks. Officials also reported that a firefighter died in a strike near an airport in Iranshahr.
Trump Warns of Harsher Response
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iran had contacted the United States seeking negotiations. “They want to make a deal so badly,” he said, while expressing doubts over whether Tehran would ultimately honour any agreement.
The US President also defended the latest military action as retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
“If it happens again, it will get much worse,” Trump warned.
He added that if the conflict escalated further, the United States would act swiftly.
Iran Responds With Warning
Iranian leaders rejected Washington’s position and vowed retaliation.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States had failed to learn that “bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free.”
“If you strike, you will be struck,” he warned in a post on X.
Senior military adviser Mohsen Rezaei also said the United States and its allies would face severe consequences for the attacks.
Regional Tensions Deepen
The latest US strikes followed Tuesday’s attacks on three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington blamed on Iran. The United States responded with extensive strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
While US officials said the Iranian missiles and drones caused no major damage or casualties, the continued exchange has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
The renewed hostilities have also pushed oil prices higher and disrupted maritime traffic, prompting the United Nations and several regional countries to call for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts.
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