US Launches Fourth Night of Strikes as Trump Warns of Major Escalation

Trump convened his top national security advisers in the Situation Room to discuss a significantly broader military campaign against Iran.

By United with Israel Staff

The United States launched a fourth consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Tuesday as President Donald Trump warned that far more extensive attacks could be carried out unless Tehran agrees to negotiate.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels conducted a seven-hour operation targeting Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defense systems to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The strikes took place the same day U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas,” CENTCOM said, adding that the blockade went into effect at 4 p.m. ET.

U.S. forces “remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief,” the command said.

The latest operation follows a week of escalating Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and Gulf states.

“Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement.

“Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries. U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives.”

Earlier Tuesday, Trump convened his top national security advisers in the White House Situation Room to discuss a significantly broader military campaign against Iran, Axios reported, citing three sources familiar with the meeting.

According to the report, Trump was joined by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials.

Axios reported that the administration is considering an offensive far wider in scope than the current campaign focused on the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during the latest strikes, Trump warned that Iran could soon face attacks on critical infrastructure if it refuses to negotiate.

“Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants,” Trump said. “Next week comes the bridges. We’re gonna knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.”

The latest operation marks the fourth straight night of U.S. strikes against Iran as Washington continues to increase military pressure on Tehran over its attacks on commercial vessels and regional targets.

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