American military forces executed strikes against Iranian targets for the 11th consecutive night, prompting warnings from Tehran regarding the safety of its nuclear facilities. US Central Command stated the operation aims to neutralize threats to commercial shipping within the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities, including the vicinity of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, while state media confirmed the activation of air defense systems in Tehran.
Donald Trump signaled that the next primary objective could be an underground installation at Pickaxe Mountain, which is suspected of housing an undeclared enrichment facility. Iran’s military leadership responded by declaring such an escalation would trigger a broader regional conflict, threatening retaliation against American interests and those of its allies. Meanwhile, regional instability intensified as Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan reported intercepting drone and missile activity.
Shipping disruptions persist as Houthi rebels in Yemen announced a blockade of Saudi vessels at the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This move follows a collapse in the April ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the conflict has reached a cumulative cost of $37.5 billion, and the Pentagon is currently requesting additional emergency funding from Congress to sustain these operations.
