US Launches Fresh Wave of Strikes on Iran as Tehran Says It Does Not Seek War
WASHINGTON, U.S.: The United States has launched another wave of military strikes against Iran, targeting facilities that Washington says have been used to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
The latest operation was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which said the strikes are aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities responsible for attacks against vessels transiting one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes. According to the U.S. military, the targets include coastal defence systems, missile infrastructure, drone capabilities and other military assets linked to threats against international shipping.
The renewed strikes come after Washington accused Iranian forces of repeatedly attacking commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes. U.S. officials say the campaign is intended to ensure freedom of navigation and prevent further attacks on civilian shipping.
Iran, meanwhile, insisted it does not want a broader conflict despite the growing military confrontation.
Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran has "never welcomed war, nor do we now," adding that the country must remain prepared to defend its national security and interests if threatened. His remarks signalled that while Tehran continues to reject war publicly, it is also prepared to respond to further military pressure.
The exchange of attacks follows the collapse of a fragile diplomatic understanding between Washington and Tehran. Both countries have increased military operations in recent days, raising concerns that the confrontation could develop into a wider regional conflict involving key shipping lanes, Gulf states and global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as one of the world's most important energy corridors. Any prolonged disruption could affect global oil supplies, shipping costs and international energy prices.
Despite the latest escalation, diplomatic channels have not been formally closed. However, neither Washington nor Tehran has indicated any immediate willingness to scale back military operations, leaving regional security and commercial shipping under continued uncertainty.
Most Unique Fact
The latest U.S. operation specifically targeted military capabilities that CENTCOM says were being used to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting Washington's focus on securing international shipping rather than broader strategic targets.