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US Strikes Iran for 11th Night as Attacks Reach Tehran and Tabriz — AI-generated representative image. Explosions light up the sky over an Iranian city during US air strikes targeting military infrastructure.

Editorial Team

CENTCOM expands operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure amid escalating regional conflict and diplomatic push.

The United States has carried out its 11th consecutive night of air strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in the capital Tehran, the northwestern city of Tabriz, and multiple locations across southern Iran, according to Iranian news agencies and local officials. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure to further degrade Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The expansion of strikes to Tehran and Tabriz marks a significant departure from earlier attacks, which had largely focused on southern Iran and the strategic waterway. The ongoing hostilities, now in their fourth month, threaten global trade through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints and have drawn in regional mediators as both sides signal competing positions on diplomacy.

Major Developments Across Iran and the Region

In a statement, CENTCOM said US forces targeted "Iranian military operations centres, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure."

Massive explosions were heard across Tehran and air defence systems were activated at multiple locations in the capital, Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi reported from the city. Iran's Tasnim news agency reported explosions in parts of Bushehr in southern Iran, while the Fars news agency reported blasts around Sirik, also in southern Iran.

The deputy governor of Khuzestan province told Fars that areas near the cities of Behbahan and Omidiyeh had been targeted in US missile attacks. Fars also reported that US forces struck a military site on the outskirts of Tabriz at approximately 2:40am local time (23:10 GMT), hitting a military zone near the city with no attacks inside the city itself.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Kuwaiti army said its air defences were intercepting an Iranian drone attack. Iran has repeatedly attacked Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, since the resumption of US strikes this month.

Background and Strategic Context

The US and Iran have been competing for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world's crude oil passes. Attacks resumed after the breakdown of a June 17 memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway, according to CENTCOM, endangering hundreds of mariners and undermining freedom of navigation. Despite the hostilities, CENTCOM stated the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit, and that since early May, US forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Congress on Tuesday that the cost of the war on Iran had reached $37.5 billion and that the Pentagon needed $90 billion in additional funding. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia challenged Hegseth's previous claim that Iran's military had been "destroyed" in light of the request for more funding.

Official Statements and Diplomatic Efforts

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains willing to pursue diplomacy with Iran but insisted Tehran must demonstrate seriousness about talks. "If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and if you don't pay them, blow up your ships. We have created a very dangerous precedent," Rubio said, adding that the US will defend the principle of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump said he plans to attack a suspected Iranian nuclear site called Pickaxe Mountain "pretty soon, and very heavily." In response, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned there would be an expansion of attacks in the region if the US strikes Iran's nuclear sites.

As violence escalates, mediators have stepped up efforts to end the hostilities. Iranian Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni held talks with senior Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Asim Munir, in Islamabad. Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discussed with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud "enhanced diplomatic efforts and closer coordination for de-escalation and strengthening security and stability in the region," according to Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What Lies Ahead

US forces have completed 11 consecutive nights of strikes with no indication of an immediate halt. Diplomatic channels remain active, with Qatar and Pakistan engaged in mediation efforts, though no ceasefire agreement has been announced. The US has signaled willingness for talks if Iran shows seriousness, while Iran has warned of regional escalation if its nuclear sites are targeted. Additional information on the full extent of damage and any casualties remains awaited.