Iran says it struck ships in Strait of Hormuz after US launches new strikes

US Central Command said its latest airstrikes were responding to "unwarranted and continued aggression" from Iran.

The U.S. military has carried out airstrikes on Iran for the second consecutive night, aiming to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal. President Trump criticized Iran for stalling in negotiations, accusing the country of taking advantage of the U.S. The strikes are part of an escalating situation with potential for further military conflict. In response, Iran reportedly launched drone attacks targeting the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain, as covered by Iranian state media. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed plans for intensified strikes, stating that CENTCOM would be "hitting Iran hard." Iran's Tasnim news agency warned of "heavy responses" from the Iranian military. High-level discussions took place in Washington involving President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, General Dan Caine, and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, reflecting rising tension and a lack of progress in diplomatic negotiations.

The U.S. has escalated military actions against Iran, with President Donald Trump launching and vowing further airstrikes in response to alleged Iranian aggression, including Tehran's downing of a U.S. helicopter. A U.S. tanker blockade has disabled several vessels transporting Iranian oil, igniting tensions across the region. Iran condemned the military strikes, demanding negotiations under peaceful, respectful terms. Concurrently, Israel pledged to respond forcefully to any Iranian attack.

The U.S. military has launched a second consecutive day of airstrikes on multiple targets in Iran in response to what it labels Iran’s "continued aggression," following Iranian missile attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan – all nations hosting U.S. troops. This escalation threatens to unravel a tenuous two-month ceasefire and peace negotiations. Iran's Revolutionary Guard had previously threatened Bahrain, prompting missile sirens and shelter advisories there. The renewed conflict follows a recent U.S. helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, blamed on Iran by President Trump, who warned Tehran would "pay the price" for stalling talks. Amid intensifying airstrikes, Iran insists it will not negotiate under pressure and demands sanctions relief and access to frozen assets as part of any deal, while refusing U.S. demands to give up enriched uranium. Iran continues to retaliate, targeting U.S.-allied states and experiencing strikes in cities like Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Simultaneously, the U.S. claims it has secretly moved over 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait, undermining Iran’s strategic positioning. Israel’s broader goals — pressuring Hezbollah and toppling Iran’s government — add further complication to peace prospects. A Qatari delegation is seeking to mediate.

Hostilities between Iran and the United States escalated for a second consecutive day following U.S. air and cruise missile strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain—countries that host key U.S. military installations, including Bahrain’s U.S. Navy 5th Fleet. The U.S. Central Command reported that its latest round of airstrikes early Thursday targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including surveillance, communications, and air defense systems across Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz.