The US Central Command announced that the American military has started additional attacks on targets in Iran under the orders of Donald Trump. According to the statement, the attacks were carried out at 17:15 local time and were conducted under "legitimate self-defense."
US officials say the military operation aims to force Tehran into a peace agreement. Trump accused Iran of stalling in negotiations and escalated tensions by saying, "They are treating us like we are fools."
In an Oval Office statement, Trump said, "We will hit them very hard." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters at the CENTCOM headquarters in Florida, "CENTCOM will have a busy night," expressing their intent to deliver a strong blow to Iran.
Hegseth argued that the attacks were not meant to escalate the war but to create a basis for an agreement. With the words, "If negotiation is needed, we negotiate with bombs," he clearly outlined Washington’s pressure policy.
According to information reported by Axios, all targets are located in southern Iran. These targets include air defense systems, radar stations, and unmanned aerial vehicle control points.
The Iranian side announced that it will respond strongly to the attacks. Tasnim news agency, citing a military source, reported that Tehran is preparing a "fierce response."
The Iranian President had previously stated that Trump’s threats are not a show of strength but a sign of "desperation." This statement highlighted how the tension between the two countries has deepened with the latest military moves.
The conflict zone was also active the previous night. The US struck radar and air defense elements in Iran, after which Iran launched several missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward American bases in the region.
It was also reported that Trump met with his national security team on Wednesday to discuss military options in Iran. One of these options was described as a short but extensive operation intended to force Tehran to change its negotiation stance.
