Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply for a second consecutive night as President Donald Trump confirmed that American military aircraft are conducting operations over Iran, while Tehran threatened a "crushing and decisive" response to what it described as U.S. aggression.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump revealed that he had held direct communications with Iranian officials amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation.
"The Iranians asked me to stop attacking. The strikes will stop very soon. We may strike again," Trump said.
The U.S. president also stressed that Israel was not involved in the latest American military operations, describing the strikes as a direct U.S. action unrelated to Israeli military activities.
Second Wave of U.S. Strikes Hits Southern Iran
According to Iranian media reports, explosions were heard overnight across several strategic locations in southern Iran, including areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
Targets reportedly included facilities near Assaluyeh's petrochemical complex, Bandar Abbas, Minab, Sirik, Qeshm Island, and other locations in Hormozgan Province. Iranian media also reported the activation of air-defense systems near Tehran and other regions.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that American forces had launched operations against eight targets inside Iran, describing the mission as a defensive response to what Washington called continued Iranian aggression.
According to U.S. officials, the strikes targeted air-defense systems, radar installations, and command-and-control facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic Channel Appears to Be Breaking Down
In a potentially significant development, reports indicated that Qatar's mediation delegation departed Tehran without achieving progress in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to reports cited by The New York Times, prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough have diminished substantially following the failure of the latest mediation effort.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Iran is delaying negotiations.
"We want a deal, but they're taking too long," the president said. "We hit Iran hard yesterday, and we'll hit them again today if necessary."
White House sources said Trump convened a meeting in the Situation Room to discuss additional military options, including a short-duration but large-scale operation designed to increase pressure on Tehran ahead of potential negotiations.
Iran Denies Trump's Claims of Direct Contacts
Iranian state media rejected Trump's assertion that direct discussions had taken place between American and Iranian officials.
A senior Iranian official quoted by state media described Trump's statement as "false" and claimed it was intended to provide political cover while avoiding a full-scale war.
Iranian officials insisted that Washington's public messaging does not reflect the actual state of communications between the two countries.
Tehran Announces Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
In one of the most dramatic developments, Iran's military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic.
Iran warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strategic waterway would be considered a target for military action.
The announcement applies to commercial shipping, oil tankers, and other civilian vessels.
Iranian media later reported that two vessels allegedly attempting to violate the closure had been struck, although independent verification was not immediately available.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil exports.
Reports of Naval Confrontations in the Gulf
Iranian media outlets reported exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces at sea, claiming that American naval vessels had been targeted by missiles and drones.
At the same time, U.S. military officials acknowledged ongoing operations in the Gulf region but did not immediately confirm specific reports of naval engagements.
Meanwhile, American forces reportedly disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman after its crew failed to comply with U.S. military instructions.
Iran Threatens Wider Regional Response
Iran's armed forces issued a warning that any further American attacks would trigger a broader military response.
According to statements carried by Reuters and Iranian state media, Tehran views any hostile U.S. action as grounds for significant retaliation.
Iranian military officials claimed their forces remain on full alert and warned that additional American strikes could lead to attacks on broader U.S. interests throughout the region.
Iranian-backed sources also reported retaliatory missile launches against American military facilities in the Gulf region.
Jordanian authorities reportedly intercepted several missiles that were allegedly heading toward a U.S. military installation in Jordan.
Regional Security Concerns Grow
The security situation has prompted new warnings from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which advised American citizens in Iraq to exercise heightened caution due to the deteriorating regional environment.
Explosions were also reported in Erbil in northern Iraq, raising concerns that the confrontation could spread beyond the Gulf.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier warned that the United States was prepared to launch powerful military operations against Iranian targets if necessary.
"The strikes will be powerful, precise and clear," Hegseth said.
What Happens Next?
The latest escalation has created a dangerous cycle of military action and retaliation, while diplomatic channels appear increasingly fragile.
Washington insists that its strikes are limited responses designed to pressure Tehran back to the negotiating table. Iran, however, argues that continued attacks will eliminate any possibility of diplomacy and force a broader confrontation.
With U.S. aircraft operating over Iran, Iranian threats against American interests increasing, and the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the crisis, the coming days may determine whether the region returns to negotiations—or moves toward a much larger conflict.
Comments