The US Central Command announced on social media on the 16th that, as of 2:00 PM Eastern Time, the US military had launched a new round of strikes against Iran for the “6th consecutive night,” aiming to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities.
Earlier on the 16th, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated at a press briefing that Iran remains actively engaged in communication with the US and has expressed a desire to reach an agreement. She added that the US side is indeed in talks with Iran. Leavitt also shifted blame for the strikes onto Iran, claiming that Iran violated the US-Iran memorandum of understanding by opening fire on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and that the US could not “stand by and do nothing.”
In recent days, the US military has launched consecutive strikes against Iran. On the 15th alone, two rounds of strikes were conducted within a single day, targeting Iranian command centers, air defense facilities, missile and drone capabilities, as well as coastal surveillance installations. The US military also resumed a naval blockade of Iran on the afternoon of the 14th Eastern Time.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News on the 14th, US President Donald Trump said that the US military strikes on Iran would continue until “I say it’s enough.” He warned that unless Iran returns to the negotiating table, the US military will target its bridges and power plants next week.