TEHRAN – The United States on Thursday confirmed a new round of military strikes against Iran, while explosions were reported in several parts of the country, including the capital Tehran and the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
The Iranian media reported that the blasts were heard in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Minab. Authorities have reportedly heightened security measures in the affected areas while the exact nature of the explosions remains unclear.
Iranian state media reported that air defence systems were activated in western Tehran following the incidents.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said military operations against Iran had resumed. In a statement, the command said the strikes were being carried out in response to what it described as continued provocative actions by Tehran.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had signalled a hardline approach towards Iran, saying Iranian targets had been struck a day earlier and warning that further action could be taken if necessary.
The latest exchange marks a further escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, fuelling concerns over the possibility of a wider conflict in the region.
Trump approved Iran strikes amid frustration over delayed response to proposed deal: US media
US President Donald Trump approved recent military strikes against Iran after becoming increasingly frustrated over Tehran’s delay in responding to a proposed agreement, according to a report published by a US news website.
Citing two senior US officials, the report said that while an incident involving a US Apache helicopter appeared to be the immediate trigger for the military action, the broader context involved stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran and growing impatience within the White House.
According to the officials, the United States had been awaiting Iran’s response to its proposals for several weeks, but Tehran delayed providing a final position. The report said the White House repeatedly conveyed to Iranian officials that time for negotiations was limited and that a prompt response was required.
The report further stated that US planners sought to ensure the military operation remained limited in scope and minimised casualties in order to keep diplomatic channels open and preserve the possibility of a future agreement.
US officials said Iran had been informed before the strikes that the operation would be restricted to specific military targets. Sources quoted in the report claimed that the US response could have been significantly stronger had members of the Apache helicopter crew been killed.
The report also said that regional mediators, including Qatar, remained engaged with both sides and were continuing efforts to revive negotiations. During this period, Washington reportedly warned Tehran that further delays could complicate the situation.
According to the report, the proposed agreement under discussion included provisions related to uranium enrichment, maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and certain economic issues. However, the two sides were unable to reach a final consensus.
The report added that domestic political pressure, media criticism and the lack of progress in negotiations had increased pressure on President Trump, contributing to his decision to adopt a tougher stance.
US officials maintained that despite the recent strikes, diplomatic options had not been completely exhausted. However, Washington believes that continued delays by Iran could carry political and diplomatic consequences.
