The United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran on Monday, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operation targeted Iranian military capabilities allegedly used to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes came as explosions were reported across southern and central Iran and neighbouring countries activated air defence measures amid fears of a wider regional conflict.
CENTCOM said US forces began the operation at 4 pm Eastern Time “at the Commander in Chief’s direction”, describing the strikes as an effort to further weaken Iran’s ability to attack maritime traffic in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
In a post on X, the command said the targets were military assets linked to attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Explosions reported across Iran
Hours after the US announcement, Iranian media reported explosions in several parts of the country.
Blasts were heard in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Bandar Lengeh and Qeshm in Hormozgan province, as well as Chabahar and Konarak in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency also reported that air defence systems were activated in the southern port city of Bushehr to engage what it described as “hostile aircraft”.
Early Tuesday, explosions were reported in Shiraz and Isfahan, according to IRNA and Mehr News Agency.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV additionally claimed that a US cruise missile had been intercepted and destroyed over Rudbar-e Jonub in southeastern Iran. The claim has not been independently verified.
Kuwait activates air defences
The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army said its air defence systems were responding to “hostile missile and drone threats”.
Regional tensions also spread beyond Kuwait.
According to international media reports, warning sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Jordan said it intercepted Iranian missiles.
US says campaign targets Iranian military infrastructure
CENTCOM said the latest strikes were part of its continuing campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.
Earlier, the command said US naval and air assets operating from the Arabian Sea had been enforcing what it described as a naval blockade against Iran.
It claimed US forces had redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one vessel to prevent maritime movement to and from Iranian ports.
CENTCOM also said it had completed a ninth consecutive night of operations targeting Iranian command centres, air defence sites, coastal surveillance systems, missile and drone launch locations, maritime capabilities and communications networks.
Iran claims retaliation against US assets
Earlier on Monday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had carried out retaliatory missile and drone strikes on US military assets in Jordan and Kuwait.
According to statements published by the IRGC’s official outlet Sepah News, ballistic missiles targeted US Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft at Jordan’s Aqaba airport.
The IRGC also claimed drone strikes destroyed an American early warning radar system in Kuwait and targeted facilities, equipment warehouses and MQ-9 Reaper drone infrastructure at Ali Al Salem Air Base.
The IRGC said the attacks were retaliation for what it described as repeated US “aggressions” against Iranian territory.
Trump warns of stronger military response
US President Donald Trump reiterated his administration’s hardline position, warning Iran against targeting American troops.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said every attack resulting in the death of a US soldier would be met with a far stronger military response.
His remarks came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the country was engaged in a “full-scale war” with the United States, although Iran’s Foreign Ministry also said diplomatic channels remained open and mediation proposals had been received.