The United States Launches Attacks on Iran as Tehran Threatens Retaliation

Jun 11 (Jowhar) - New explosions rocked southern Iran last night as the U.S. began new attacks, a move that came just hours after President Donald Trump warned of further strikes if a peace deal was not reached.

The U.S. Central Command stated it targeted multiple sites, describing the operation as retaliation against what it called "unnecessary and ongoing aggression by Iran," adding that the attacks began in the early hours of last night in Tehran.

The senior military command of Iran responded to threats against one of the world's key energy chokepoints, stating they would sink any vessel attempting to pass through the Hormuz Strait, which has been largely closed for months.

Iranian media reported that two vessels were fired upon.

The command stated that Iran's armed forces would provide a response of "destruction and decisiveness" to any "aggression" by the U.S. in the region.

The nighttime attacks mark the latest cycle of escalating assaults pushing opposing factions toward a new full-scale war, after the conflict was paused in early April with a fragile ceasefire agreement.

Iranian news agencies reported explosions were heard in several southern cities, including Sirik, Kangan, Bandar Abbas, and Minab.

"We will attack them, we will attack them hard," Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House yesterday.

Later, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaking during a visit to Central Command in Florida, stated that the attacks would "advance our military interests and also enhance our diplomatic position."

"Tonight we will strike hard and we hope Iran makes a good decision," he said.

"If we need to negotiate bombs, we will negotiate bombs," he added.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that a deal is close.

Since the temporary ceasefire took effect, Washington and Tehran have exchanged fire several times, even as negotiations attempted - without success - to end the three-month-long conflict.

President Trump has consistently stated that a deal is close, despite no signs of progress, while also threatening to resume bombings.

On Tuesday, U.S. forces struck air defense and radar sites surrounding the Hormuz Strait, a day after an American fighter jet was shot down near the strategic waterway on Monday.

Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

A U.S. official stated there were no significant casualties.

Iran accused the U.S. of attacking water supply depots that provided drinking water to 10 villages and violating international law.

"This is not collateral damage - it is a calculated act of war and a blatant violation of human rights," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghei.