In brief
The United States carried out its 11th consecutive night of drone strikes on Iranian targets, targeting military and maritime assets and undermining Iran’s capacity to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported air-defence activations and explosions across Tehran, Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak and the nuclear city of Bushehr. President Trump publicly announced a forthcoming attack on an underground Natanz facility, prompting Iran to warn of reprisals and intensifying regional tensions. The escalation pushed crude prices above $94 as Gulf and Red Sea shipping routes face heightened risk from aerial and missile threats.
Background
On Tuesday, U.S. Central Command announced the launch of a series of drone strikes on Iranian targets, marking the 11th consecutive night of attacks aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Russian‑state media reports
Iran’s state media said air‑defence systems were activated over Tehran and explosions were reported in the northwestern city of Tabriz, the southeastern ports of Chabahar and Konarak, and in Bushehr – the location of Iran’s only nuclear power plant.
Trump’s warning
President Donald Trump publicly warned the U.S. would soon hit an underground nuclear site near Natanz, a facility where Iran is suspected of building an undeclared enrichment facility. He added that the U.S. would "be hitting that area pretty soon, and very heavily," calling it an escalation to the region.
Regional fallout
The strikes have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a vital oil corridor. Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have each intercepted drone and missile attacks, while Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened a maritime embargo on Saudi ports. Oil prices spiked to $94 per barrel as markets reacted to the escalating tensions.
Diplomatic context
Although a ceasefire had been agreed in April, hostilities resumed last week over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains willing to negotiate but does not believe Iran is serious about talks. US officials have said the bombings, targeted at Iranian military centres, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage and logistics infrastructure, will continue unless a new channel of diplomacy opens. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted the cost of the war has risen to $37.5 bn and that further funding would be required to sustain training and operations. The United States is also preparing to honour a ceremony for fallen soldiers in Dover, Delaware, where Trump will attend the transfer of bodies of U.S. servicemen killed in the war.
