The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces launched strikes on multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday at President Donald Trump’s direction, describing the operation as a response to Iran’s “unwarranted and continued aggression.”
The strikes marked a second consecutive night of U.S. military action against Iran.
U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 10, 2026
CENTCOM did not immediately disclose the specific targets, nor did it provide details on damage assessments or possible casualties.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Gorgan and Hengam, shortly after the strikes began. Air defense systems were also activated in parts of the country, according to reports.
Iranian state media further claimed that a U.S. F-16 fighter jet entered airspace over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday and that Iranian air defenses fired a missile at the aircraft, prompting it to withdraw from the area.
🚨 BREAKING
After the US F-16 fighter jet entered the airspace of the Persian Gulf and the IRAN’s air defense system fired a missile at it, the fighter jet moved away from the area.— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) June 10, 2026
Before the latest U.S. strikes, President Donald Trump said Iran will “pay the price” for taking too long to negotiate a deal.
“We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along. They keep playing us for suckers,” Trump said. “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price.”
The attacks follow a U.S. strike campaign launched Tuesday after an American Army Apache helicopter was brought down while operating over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials said the aircraft crashed after being struck by an Iranian drone, though Iran has not publicly acknowledged responsibility.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. military said it had targeted a tanker allegedly transporting Iranian fuel in violation of a U.S.-enforced blockade.
CENTCOM said precision munitions disabled the vessel by striking its engine room. Indian authorities later reported that three Indian sailors were missing and 21 others had been rescued following the incident.
