DONALD Trump unleashed a wave of strikes on Iran last night, as dozens of missiles blitzed targets.
US Central Command said their missiles had hit “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites” across the rogue nation.
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The US launched fresh strikes on Iran Credit: Getty
The president met with his top national security team on Wednesday as he decided on fresh strikes Credit: Splash
It added: “The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression. U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.”
Multiple explosions were reported across the south of the country including the key port city next to the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported.
Trump told Fox News 49 Tomahawk missiles had been fired by US forces during the operation, alongside additional bombing runs carried out by fighter jets.
He also revealed he has been speaking “directly” with Iranian officials after overnight strikes, saying they pleaded with him to stop the bombing.
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Trump said the closest target to Tehran was struck just 40 miles outside the capital.
The US military has now confirmed the strikes have stopped – but Trump warned they could restart at any moment.
Trump also told Fox News that he would “bomb the s**t out of Iran” if they do not agree to a deal.
US officials said targets attacked on Wednesday night include air defence systems, radars, drone command and control units, Axios reported.
US Central Command wrote on X that forces began launching “self-defence strikes” yesterday at 5.15pm ET (10.15pm UK time) on the orders of the Commander in Chief.
“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” the statement added.
Despite the tit-for-tat strikes over the past few days, neither side has said they are walking away from the ceasefire or a peace deal.
Hours before the strikes, the president met with his top national security team in the in the Situation Room as he decided on the new blitz.
Throughout the day Trump continued to threaten further escalation on Iran after telling reporters in the Oval Office: “Well, we are going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard.”
The Iranian Navy said it has targeted and struck two “violating” ships that were attempting to illegally transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is now closed for all ships “regardless of type,” Iranian state media reported.
But US CENTCOM has disputed that Commercial ships are continuing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz tonight.
It comes after multiple explosions shook Iran late on Tuesday when the US bombed two water reservoirs.
American forces also blasted Iranian radar and air defence systems after a US Apache helicopter was downed, Axios reported.
Pete Hegseth issued warned from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida that bombs – not diplomacy – could decide what happens next Credit: X/clashreport
Footage showed Iran’s retaliatory strikes following new US attacks Credit: X
Iran hit back with fury – launching retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting US-linked sites in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier warned that: “Critical infrastructures are the lifeblood of the people.
“Threats to target them – from transportation networks to the electricity and water industries – are not a show of strength but a sign of desperation in the face of a nation’s will.
“Iran, relying on the knowledge and capabilities of its specialists, national unity, and solidarity, will stand firm against any pressure or threat.”
The war footing comes as tensions spiral following a fierce exchange of strikes across the Middle East, pushing the region closer to all-out conflict.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a chilling warning from CENTCOM headquarters in Florida, making clear they would “negotiate with bombs” if no deal is reached.
“If they are not gonna make a deal we are gonna hit them hard,” he told soldiers.
A US Apache helicopter crashed in the Strait of Hormuz (stock) Credit: X/@CENTCOM
Alleged footage of the Iranian fresh strikes on Wednesday Credit: X
Qatari mediators rushed to Tehran on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to revive stalled negotiations between the US and Iran.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated after nearly two weeks of waiting for Iran to respond to his latest offer.
Trump also claimed the US has been secretly draining Iran’s oil supply, saying “millions of barrels of oil” are being taken every night.
Iran previously warned that if attacks continue, “even more severe” retaliation will follow.
“The criminal US military should know that if aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran is repeated, even more severe and widespread attacks will be carried out,” the regime said.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned: “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”
“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination.”
“Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered.”
The latest escalation comes after Iran and Israel resumed direct strikes for the first time since Trump’s fragile ceasefire in April began to collapse.
The crisis deepened when a US Apache helicopter went down over the Strait of Hormuz – an incident Trump blamed on Iran.
US Central Command said its strikes were a “self-defence” response, hitting Iranian military systems with precision air power.
Trump hailed the attacks as “very strong” – warning they were just the beginning.
On social media, he branded Iran’s military “a complete and total mess” and declared: “The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!!”
He added that Tehran had “taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them – now they will have to pay the price!!!”
Despite the escalating conflict, Trump has not ruled out a deal – insisting both sides were “really close”.
But he made clear Iran must never have nuclear capability.
