Fresh US Strikes on Iran Mark Night 13, Trump Warns Biggest Is Yet to Come

Iran’s Fars news agency reported multiple explosions in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, while local reports also described explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas

The US military on Thursday night launched a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, hours after President Donald Trump said he was considering expanding military operations with attacks that would be larger than those carried out during Operation Epic Fury.

In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest strikes began at 6:45pm ET. “US forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 pm ET today. This is the 13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping,” CENTCOM said.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported multiple explosions in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, while local reports also described explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The latest military action came after Trump said he was weighing a significant escalation of the conflict. “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” the president said in a brief interview to Axios. He did not give a timeline for a decision. Two US officials said no final decision had been made and no new military orders had been issued.

Trump said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to”, but added that “we don’t need anybody” to carry out a new operation against Iran.

He also warned there would be “consequences” if Israel joined the strikes, suggesting Iran could retaliate against the country.

The president said Iran continued to resist efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement. “They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said.

Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts told Axios that Iran’s leadership had not accepted the latest proposal presented during negotiations. “We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful,” one of the sources said.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump said any damage caused to ships or cargo by Iranian-backed groups would be paid for using Iranian assets frozen under US control. “These damages may be very substantial, but nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” he wrote on Truth Social.

The comments came after Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched attacks on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, contributing to a sharp rise in oil prices, which have climbed above $100 a barrel.

The release of frozen Iranian assets had formed a key part of a memorandum of understanding agreed between Tehran and Washington in June. However, neither side is currently adhering to the agreement as military operations continue and Iran has repeatedly targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to US officials, the latest campaign is intended to deter Iranian attacks on commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

The conflict has intensified over the past 12 days, with Iran continuing attacks in the region despite repeated US strikes.

Trump also warned that Washington would hold Tehran responsible for further Houthi attacks. “If the Houthis fire again at ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Describing the Houthis as an Iranian proxy, he added: “Major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.”