The United States has launched a new wave of strikes against “multiple targets” in Iran, hours after President Donald Trump warned the US would hit the country “very hard again today” if a peace deal was not reached.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed forces began “additional self-defence strikes” against targets in Iran, saying the attacks were carried out “at the Commander in Chief’s direction” and were “in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”
Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Abbas, Minab, Gorgan and Sirik, while air defence activity was heard in western Tehran and Fars province.
Reports also suggested US targets included air defence systems, radar installations and drone command centres in southern Iran.
The latest strikes came after US forces reportedly fired on an oil tanker accused of attempting to evade the blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump also claimed the US had been removing “millions of barrels of oil” from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, helping to ease energy price pressures.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong renewed Australia’s call for de-escalation, saying: “We don’t want to see civilian assets targeted. We want to see a negotiated settlement and an end to the conflict.”
Australia also joined 21 other countries in a joint statement condemning Iran’s “malign actions” targeting dissidents, journalists and Jewish and Israeli communities in Western nations.
Source: AFR.
