U.S. conducts new strikes in Iran as Tehran closes Strait of Hormuz

The United States military said it began a new round of air strikes against multiple Iranian targets early Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said the United States would resume attacks if a peace agreement was not reached. The Central Command posted that the strikes started at 5:15 p.m. EDT and were aimed at what it described as "Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."

An explosion was reported in the port city of Sirik and air defenses were activated in western Tehran, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the operation would "advance our military interests and also enhance our diplomatic position" and added, "We will strike them hard tonight, and hopefully Iran makes a good decision. If we need to negotiate with bombs, we'll negotiate with bombs."

In response, Iran’s top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, warning that any vessel attempting passage would be fired upon. The closure affects oil tankers and commercial ships that normally transit the strategic waterway.

The latest attacks follow a series of retaliatory strikes after a U.S. attack helicopter was downed near the strait earlier in the week. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, which a U.S. official said caused no significant damage. Iran’s foreign ministry accused the United States of hitting water reservoirs that supply drinking water to ten villages, calling the action a "calculated war crime" and a violation of international law.

Diplomatic activity continued despite the escalation. A Qatari delegation, which has been mediating between the two sides, arrived in Tehran for talks on the recent developments. Meanwhile, the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s Board of Governors adopted a U.S.-backed resolution urging Iran to disclose its remaining enriched uranium stocks for inspection, a move Tehran described as political.

The conflict has also impacted global oil markets, with prices rising nearly $3 per barrel to $94 after Trump’s statements. The United States said it had disabled an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for a second consecutive day.

Separate fighting continues in Lebanon between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, adding further complexity to the regional security situation.