For the second consecutive day, the United States launched new strikes against Iran, with Tehran responding again with attacks on American bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz—an action the US denies has actually occurred. Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke of direct communication with the Iranian side and claims Tehran has appealed for the bombings to stop, which Iran has denied.
The United States launched new “self-defense strikes” against Iran at dawn, as announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM). Iranian media reported explosions in various regions of the country. “We are preparing a response,” Iran warned, noting it had struck American ships with missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM briefing on US strikes – Southern Iran targeted, reports of hits on petrochemical plant
According to CENTCOM’s official briefing, the new attacks began at 5:15 PM Eastern Time (12:15 AM Greek time), following orders from President Donald Trump.
“US Central Command forces began additional defensive strikes against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” the announcement stated.
U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 10, 2026
The American military command provided no further details about the targets hit or the results of the operations. Shortly after 4 AM Thursday, the US military announced it had completed the latest round of attacks against Iran.
“CENTCOM forces struck Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communications systems, and air defense facilities across Iran. The US Marines, Air Force, and Navy launched precision munitions at Iranian targets that posed threats to American forces and international commercial vessels transiting regional waters,” US Central Command stated.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 11, 2026
Iranian state television reported three explosions in Sirik, Kish Island, and Minab, located along Iran’s southern Persian Gulf coast where military and naval outposts exist.
Video published by the semi‑official Iranian Mehr News Agency shows Iranian air defenses engaging targets over the capital, #Tehran.#الايراني #كَرگان #ميناب #Tehran #Iran #IRIAF #FighterJets #Iran #BreakingNews #IranWar #US #Ceasefire pic.twitter.com/YhZncoKHtt
— خالد الخالدي (@DamascusGhost) June 10, 2026
Tehran residents heard air raid sirens from the western section of the government complex. Tansim reports that a petrochemical plant in southwestern Iran at the South Pars field was hit by air strikes. The same reports mention strikes on the city of Karaj, northwest of Tehran.
A senior American official briefed that the targeted locations were in southern Iran and included air defense systems, radar, and drone command and control units.
Trump: “The Iranians asked me to stop the bombings, we will stop soon” – Tehran’s response
Donald Trump spoke to Fox News about the new attacks on Iran, asserting that Israel had no involvement. He also stated that possibilities for new attacks on Iranian territory remain open.
As he said, “The Iranians asked me to stop the bombings, we will stop soon.” At the same time, an American official told Fox that US forces continue striking targets within Iran.
From Iran’s side, a senior official told state network IRIB that Trump’s claim about communication with Iranian leadership to end attacks is false, characterizing it as a pretext to avoid war with Iran.
Additionally, according to Iranian agency ISNA, Trump reportedly ordered associates to convey through Qatari mediators a message to Tehran stating that the attacks are a response to an incident involving an Iranian drone that nearly struck an Apache helicopter crew, not the beginning of broader war.
Iran: Any ship attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz becomes a target – CENTCOM responds
Meanwhile, the Iranian military warned today it would target any ship attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, while the navy reported it had “struck” two vessels that attempted to pass through this strategically important maritime artery.
“Any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz will become a target” from now on, the Iranian general staff stated, according to Tasnim agency, emphasizing that the strait is now “absolutely closed to all types of ships” amid new US bombings against the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian navy, according to state television IRIB and MEHR news agency, reported that it “struck” two ships that “attempted to illegally cross the Strait of Hormuz.”
However, US armed forces denied early morning (Greek time) Iranian announcements claiming closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid new US air strikes.
“Commercial ships continue to transit through the Strait of Hormuz tonight,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) assured via X.
Iran claims attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait and intercepted American F-16 over Persian Gulf
The Revolutionary Guards say they intercepted an American F-16 in Iranian airspace over the Persian Gulf, while according to Israeli media, an American warship suffered damage from Iranian cruise missile impacts. Iranian state media reported that the Al-Harrir airbase in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, used by the US, was hit by Iranian missile attack. This is the first report of Tehran’s retaliation to tonight’s American attacks.
The Revolutionary Guards also announced today they struck bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for new American bombings against the Islamic Republic.
“During two waves of operations, eighteen significant targets belonging to American forces were hit” at Ali al-Salem and Ahmad al-Jaber bases in Kuwait, and at Sheikh Isa airbase in Bahrain, the Guards reported, according to IRNA news agency.
Earlier, official Iranian media reported an attack on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain with drones, hitting telecommunications antennas and Patriot missile defense system radars. This information was broadcast by FARS and MEHR agencies.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced via X that alarm sirens “sounded.”
Trump promised hard strikes against Iran
The US President stated Wednesday that the US would hit Iran “hard” on Wednesday, following an exchange of attacks between the two sides overnight.
“We hit them hard yesterday and we will hit them again today,” he said speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. He also repeated his appeal for Iran to “sign a deal.”
Tehran’s response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a post on X platform after Trump’s briefing, stated that Iran “will stand firm against any pressure or threat.” Meanwhile, Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, rejected American threats and called on Washington to abandon military pressure. Speaking to the UN Security Council, he emphasized that “no lasting agreement can be achieved through threats, intimidation, or use of force.”
He also called on Donald Trump to stop repeated threats about using military force against his country, arguing that resolving the crisis can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.
American attacks and military escalation
The US launched attacks against Iran on Tuesday, following Trump’s statements that Iran had shot down an American military helicopter. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported responding with attacks on American bases in the region.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later stated that bombs would be “falling on key facilities in Iran,” adding that Trump has declared the attacks will continue. Speaking outside CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, he specifically said American forces might hit “vital installations” in Iran.
“Central Command will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will hit Iran hard, and we will,” he stated.
Hegseth argued that Iranian leadership still has the ability to avoid further escalation through an agreement with the United States, warning however that new strikes will follow otherwise.
BREAKING: Pete Hegseth:
CENTCOM will be busy tonight because Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be. pic.twitter.com/OBlY3QxUxj
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 10, 2026
Trump’s accusations about Iranian delays
Earlier, Trump wrote on social media that Iran “took too long to negotiate a deal” and now “will pay the price.” He also claimed Iran has been “completely defeated” militarily.
For his part, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqai accused the US of “undermining the diplomatic process” through contradictory messages, changing positions, and “repeated ceasefire violations.”
US attacks in maritime zones
In another development, the US military announced it struck a tanker in the Gulf of Oman that allegedly “violated the ongoing blockade” by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
India’s government reported that three Indian sailors are missing and 21 crew members were rescued after an attack on the ship Settebello off Oman.
The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, while the Strait of Hormuz has essentially closed due to the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts and nuclear issue
Alongside military escalation, diplomatic contacts continue for a long-term agreement.
Trump stated that any agreement “will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency approved a resolution demanding Iran provide data on uranium stockpiles and production facilities.
Iran’s mission to the UN in Vienna denounced the decision as hypocritical, arguing the US simultaneously proceeds with aggressive actions.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, while the US and Israel maintain there is an objective to develop nuclear weapons.
