US launches new strikes on Iran

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, with explosions reported across southern parts of the country as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate.US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began conducting “additional self-defense strikes” against multiple targets in Iran at 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time on the orders of President Donald Trump.”The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.Earlier Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that further military action was imminent, saying planned operations would target key facilities in Iran.”Central Command will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be,” Hegseth told reporters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.Explosions reported across southern IranIranian media reported explosions and air defense activity in several locations across Hormozgan province early Thursday.Iran’s state television said five “enemy projectiles” struck a site in the Kargan area near the city of Minab.Additional explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, while local media also reported blasts and air defense activity in Jask, Qeshm and Sirik.Iranian authorities did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage.Escalation follows Apache helicopter incidentThe latest strikes come after the United States blamed Iran for the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter earlier this week.Trump ordered military action after describing the incident as further evidence of Iranian aggression, although investigations into the exact cause of the helicopter’s loss remain ongoing.The Apache incident marked a significant escalation in a conflict that has intensified since late February following Israeli and US strikes on Iranian targets.The confrontation has triggered months of military exchanges, retaliatory attacks and diplomatic tensions across the Middle East.Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, relations between Washington and Tehran remain strained as both sides continue to exchange accusations and military actions.CENTCOM said US forces remain prepared to respond to further threats in the region.