Trump launches new airstrikes on Iran as deal stalls
A new wave of strikes aims not to restart war but rather to strengthen Washington's hand in long-sought negotiations, the Pentagon's top official claims.
WASHINGTON — The US Navy and Air Force launched strikes in Iran on Wednesday as the Trump administration seeks to ramp up pressure on the country's leaders to come to the negotiating table and surrender what remains of their nuclear program.
"US Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran," CENTCOM said in a statement, adding the strikes were "in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."
Explosions were reported in the southern city of Minab, as well as in Bandar Abbas and Jask, along the Strait of Hormuz.
Hours before the predawn strikes, Trump on Wednesday morning warned that Iran's leaders had "taken too long" to engage in diplomacy with Washington.
The US strikes were designed to "enhance our diplomatic position" against Iran, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that evening after he met with the Pentagon's top Middle East commander, Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, at Central Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. "They're choosing to play games," Hegseth said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
