The United States military launched large-scale airstrikes in Iran for a second consecutive night, targeting Iranian military capabilities that Washington says threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, ordered directly by President Donald Trump, was confirmed by US Central Command as part of efforts to secure commercial shipping routes. Trump stated that the strikes were a response to an earlier Iranian bombing of a commercial vessel and warned that any further attacks would trigger harsher retaliation.

US Vice President JD Vance also warned Iran that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a strong military response. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and near Jask, as well as power outages in Chabahar, suggesting an expanded strike range. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed a US cruise missile attack on a bridge in Golestan province but reported no casualties.

Iranian officials condemned the attacks as a violation of bilateral agreements and vowed a “crushing” response. The escalating confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.