Fresh Middle East flare up: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz in response to overnight US attacks
PTC News Desk: Explosions were reported in several parts of Iran, including Sirik and Minab, on Wednesday after the United States carried out a new round of military strikes, increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian media and local sources said air defence systems were activated in different areas as authorities responded to the situation.
The attacks came just hours after US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the US was ready to target important Iranian sites and step up military action if Iran did not change its approach. Later, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had launched additional "self-defence" strikes on multiple targets in Iran at 5:15 pm ET (3:45 am local time), following orders from the President.
Explosions Reported Across Iran After Trump's Warning
After the announcement, explosions were reported in Sirik and Minab, while air defence systems were activated in parts of southern Iran. Iranian media also reported blasts in several other locations, including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Gorgan.
Earlier in the day, Trump had indicated that further military action was likely.
"We hit them hard yesterday and we're going to hit them hard again today," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
"We're going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard," he said, while urging Tehran to reach a deal to avoid further escalation. "Sign a deal."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the warning, saying CENTCOM would be "busy tonight" and indicating that the United States was preparing a major military operation.
"The US will be hitting Iran hard tonight," Hegseth said, adding that strikes would target key facilities inside Iran and would be "strong and clear."
- With inputs from agencies
