Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The United States has launched a fresh wave of military operations targeting Iran, extending its ongoing campaign into a ninth straight night as tensions across West Asia continue to rise. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest strikes focused on military infrastructure that Washington says has been used to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM announced that the operation began at around 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday and forms part of a broader strategy to reduce Iran’s ability to disrupt maritime trade in one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways. The command said the campaign is designed to safeguard international shipping and will continue as required.
Following the announcement, Iranian media reported explosions in multiple locations, including Mahshahr, the Imam Khomeini port region and Tabriz. Reports also indicated that air defence systems were activated in Konarak, located in southern Iran. Iranian officials have not yet released information regarding casualties or the scale of the damage.
Commenting on the latest military action, US President Donald Trump claimed the operations had dealt a major blow to Iran’s armed forces. He argued that Tehran’s military strength had been significantly diminished and asserted that the United States now held the upper hand in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran has suffered enormous military losses,” Trump told reporters, adding that the US had established control over security in the vital shipping corridor.
The President also said the strikes were intended to honour American military personnel who had lost their lives in the region. He reiterated that Washington’s objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring the capability to develop and deploy a nuclear-armed missile.
The continuing military exchanges have intensified concerns about regional security, particularly given the Strait of Hormuz’s role as a crucial route for global oil and energy shipments. As hostilities persist, the possibility of diplomatic efforts easing the confrontation between Washington and Tehran remains uncertain, with the international community closely monitoring developments.
