U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed additional self-defense strikes against Iran that took place yesterday. According to The Jerusalem Post, Iranian military surveillance sites, communications systems, and air defense assets that posed a threat to U.S. forces in the region were targeted and destroyed. The strikes reportedly occurred in western Tehran and near several cities in southern Iran. In response, the Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed, while the U.S. has warned that further strikes may follow tonight.
The strikes were announced shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a security cabinet meeting with Trump, stated that the US was “going to hit Iran hard” on Wednesday, according to an Axios report.
“Those strikes that will happen tonight will be strong and clear and if they have to happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and clear,” Hegseth asserted, adding that CENTCOM will be “busy tonight.”
Hegseth clarified that the strikes on “key facilities” in Iran would be intended to “set the terms for a deal” rather than to restart the war.
He stated that Trump is prepared to make a deal and that “Iran would be wise to take it.”
“If we need to negotiate with bombs, we will negotiate with bombs,” Hegseth added.
President Donald Trump later said on Truth Social that operations to seize Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure could begin in the “not too distant” future as the fuel crisis worsens due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that such action would be considered if ongoing negotiations continue to produce little or no progress.
Meanwhile, the commander of Iran’s Aerospace Force has threatened the entire region with war if the Strait is destabilized. Iran has not launched any additional strikes since firing 24 missiles at Israel and Gulf nations earlier this week.
Now, more than ever, we pray for God’s protection over Israel, her people, and the U.S. forces stationed throughout the region as hopes for negotiations have increasingly given way to direct threats and military action.
