The United States military said it completed its latest round of airstrikes on Iran late Thursday, marking the 13th consecutive night of operations as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
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Latest US military operation
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest strikes lasted more than two hours.
CENTCOM said its forces targeted Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities. It said the operation aimed to reduce threats to civilian shipping and commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump warns of stronger military action
US President Donald Trump pledged “major military punishment” for Iran and its Houthi allies after Yemeni fighters attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The latest developments have widened the conflict, with violence now affecting two key global shipping routes.
Regional conflict intensifies
Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Tehran later responded with strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
The fighting has killed thousands of people and displaced millions across the region.
Threats against infrastructure
Trump has also threatened to strike Iranian energy facilities and bridges.
Iran warned it would retaliate by targeting regional oil, gas, electricity and economic infrastructure if the United States carried out those threats.
International law concerns
The 1949 Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on infrastructure considered essential for civilians.
International law experts have previously warned that deliberate attacks on protected civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes. Trump’s earlier threats against Iranian infrastructure also drew widespread international criticism.
