U.S. Expands Massive Strikes on Iran as Regional Tensions Escalate

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed a major wave of overnight strikes across Iran early Thursday, targeting command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, surveillance facilities, and Semnan Airport. For the first time in the current campaign, strikes were also reported in the Tehran area.

At the same time, the United States began enforcing its naval blockade of Iran, reportedly striking with missiles an oil tanker that was attempting to reach Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal.

According to Iranian officials, Tehran responded by launching missiles and drones at a radar installation located at a U.S. base in Kuwait, as well as targeting communications systems and fuel storage facilities at a U.S. military base in Jordan. Jordanian authorities reported intercepting the incoming projectiles.

Trump: "The Iranians Will Be Defeated Soon"

On Wednesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that "the Iranians will be defeated soon." Speaking at a security conference in Pennsylvania, he criticized former President Barack Obama, accusing him of "turning his back on Israel and toward Iran — that's why we're in this situation today."

Trump also announced that Iran had released an American citizen who had been detained in the country since 2024, thanking Tehran for what he described as "the gesture."

Strikes Reported Across Iran

Iran's Fars News Agency reported U.S. airstrikes in Tehran, the city of Khondab southwest of the capital, and Khorramabad in western Iran's Lorestan Province.

The agency also reported damage to part of a fishmeal production facility following a strike near Qeshm Island and claimed that Semnan Airport was among the targets of the early morning attacks. Iranian air defense systems were also activated around the military complex in Parchin.

Iran Claims Drone Shootdown and Regional Attacks

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Khuzestan Province.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for attacks against U.S. military installations in the Gulf region and Jordan. According to Iranian military statements, a C-RAM early warning radar system at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan were targeted.

Jordan's military reported intercepting eight Iranian missiles aimed at the country, while air raid sirens were also heard overnight in Bahrain.

"The enemy must not believe it can continue the current equation and turn this war into a war of attrition," an IRGC spokesperson said. "Iran's operations are now focused on destroying America's offensive infrastructure throughout the region."

U.S.-Israel Defense Coordination Continues

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

According to Israel's Defense Ministry, Hegseth updated Katz on ongoing U.S. military operations in Iran, and the two agreed to continue close cooperation between their countries in response to any future developments.

Katz also briefed his American counterpart on Israel's military activities against terrorist organizations operating in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.