U.S. officials said Tehran had been given an opportunity to honor the ceasefire but instead chose to launch another attack on international shipping.
By United with Israel Staff
The United States launched strikes against Iranian military targets for a second consecutive day on Saturday after Tehran again violated last week’s ceasefire by attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Donald Trump to warn that the Islamic Republic could face destruction if the attacks continue.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck multiple Iranian military targets after an Iranian one-way attack drone hit the Panama-flagged oil tanker M/T Kiku early Saturday as it transited near the Strait of Hormuz carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil.
CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelaying capabilities.
The operation came just one day after U.S. forces struck similar targets in response to Iran’s June 25 drone attack on the commercial vessel M/V Ever Lovely. U.S. officials said Tehran had been given an opportunity to honor the ceasefire but instead chose to launch another attack on international shipping.
Trump celebrated the strikes in a post on Truth Social while issuing a stark warning to Tehran.
“United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!” Trump wrote. “It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
Iran quickly responded by escalating the confrontation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a joint missile and drone attack targeting U.S. military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, saying the operation was retaliation for the American strikes and warning that any further “violations” would receive a “crushing response.”
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry confirmed that air raid sirens were activated across the kingdom and instructed residents to seek shelter after reporting an Iranian drone attack.
Despite the renewed hostilities, CENTCOM said commercial vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that U.S. forces remain “vigilant, lethal, and ready” to protect freedom of navigation and respond to further Iranian aggression.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!