The confrontation between Iran and the United States intensified sharply on Wednesday as Tehran claimed it had launched coordinated attacks on American military facilities across the Middle East, while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington was prepared to “negotiate with bombs” if diplomacy failed.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its Aerospace Force and Navy carried out a two-wave military operation targeting 18 key installations linked to US forces in the region. Iranian media described the operation as retaliation for recent American strikes on Iranian territory. While Tehran said the attacks were directed at strategic military sites, no immediate details were available regarding casualties, damage, or the exact locations targeted. US officials had not issued an immediate assessment of the Iranian claims.
The escalation came as multiple explosions were reported across Iran. Iranian state and semi-official media said blasts occurred in Karaj, west of Tehran, as well as in Sirik, Minab, Kangan, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Hengam Island and the northern city of Gorgan. Air defence systems were reportedly activated in western Tehran and parts of Fars province.
Some Iranian reports suggested that military projectiles were responsible for explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands, while authorities did not immediately provide a comprehensive explanation for incidents elsewhere. The explosions followed a new wave of US military strikes launched overnight against targets inside Iran.
The US military confirmed that fresh operations had begun shortly after midnight in Tehran. In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were conducted in response to what it described as Iran’s continued aggression.
Speaking from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered one of the strongest warnings yet to Tehran. He said Iran had been given opportunities to reach an agreement but had failed to do so.
“We will hit them hard on our terms and target facilities that undermine Iran’s capabilities,” Hegseth said.
Referring to President Donald Trump’s previous remarks, Hegseth added that Iran had repeatedly tested American resolve. He warned that if Tehran continued to avoid a settlement, the United States would respond with force.
“If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs, and we’re very good at it,” he said.
President Trump also signalled that additional military action remained possible. He stated that US strikes could continue unless Iran immediately agreed to a peace arrangement with Washington. According to reports, Trump warned that Iran would face even more severe consequences if negotiations failed.
Meanwhile, concerns grew over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Iranian military authorities reportedly warned that vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway could come under fire. Iranian media later claimed that two ships had been targeted after attempting transit.
However, US Central Command disputed suggestions that the strait had been effectively closed. American officials said commercial shipping was continuing despite Iranian threats and military activity in the area.
The US military also reported striking Iranian air defence and radar installations near the Strait of Hormuz. The action reportedly followed the downing of a US attack helicopter in the region earlier this week.
Regional tensions spread beyond Iran as air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain. Authorities urged residents to seek shelter and remain calm, although officials did not immediately specify the nature of the threat.
Iran has also reportedly launched missile and drone attacks against US military positions in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain in recent days. At the same time, Tehran accused Washington of targeting civilian infrastructure during its latest operations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei alleged that American strikes had destroyed water reservoirs supplying drinking water to several villages. He described the attacks as a deliberate violation of international law and human rights.
The latest exchange marks one of the most serious escalations between Iran and the United States in recent months. With military operations expanding across multiple fronts and tensions mounting around the Strait of Hormuz, fears are growing that the conflict could have wider consequences for regional security and global energy markets.
