US launches new round of attacks on Iran, while Iran claims strikes on US vessels near Hormuz Strait

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that U.S. forces launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, while Iran claimed attacks on U.S. vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces began launching a new wave of strikes against multiple targets in Iran at 17:15 U.S. Eastern Time (2115 GMT) Wednesday, CENTCOM said on social media platform X.

The strikes are "self-defense" measures "in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggressions", CENTCOM said.

A U.S. official said that all the targeted sites are located in southern Iran, including air defense systems, radar and drone command and control units.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters at CENTCOM headquarters in Florida on Wednesday that the CENTCOM "will be busy tonight (Wednesday night)" and "will be hitting Iran hard".

Earlier in the day, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions on 13 individuals and entities allegedly linked to the Iranian military.

The latest strikes came after U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier Wednesday that U.S. forces would continue military action against Iran following attacks launched on Tuesday, after the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter that Washington alleges was carried out by Iran on Monday.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran had "taken too long to negotiate a deal" and would have to "pay the price".

In response to U.S. attacks and Trump's threats, Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said on Wednesday that Iran will respond to every threat from the United States in a way that is “more severe, stronger, and more destructive than ever before.”

Trump said later on Wednesday that he spoke directly with Iranian officials, and that Iran has requested a halt to the bombings.

Trump said that the bombing strikes would soon stop but did not rule out launching more attacks on Iran. He added that Israel was not involved in these strikes against Iran.

Separately, a source from Iran said that senior Iranian officials have denied any contact between Iranian officials and Trump.

Citing local residents as reported by Iranian sources, explosion sounds were heard in the early hours on Thursday local time in areas including Minab and Sirik in southern Iran. At around 01:00, explosions were also heard in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

Additionally, local sources said that the islands of Qeshm and Hengam in southern Iran were hit by military strikes, triggering explosions. There is currently no official statement from Iranian authorities.

Sources said that Iran launched strikes on U.S. vessels positioned in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, and that a radar site at the U.S. military base in Harir, northern Iraq, was attacked.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday local time that Israel's military operations against Iran are "far from over" and that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are ready to "attack with great strength" if necessary.

Speaking at an award event held by the IDF, Katz said that the IDF has recently conducted multiple strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Talking about the tensions with Iran, Katz said that "we must not think the war is done", and that "if Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a heavy blow".

US launches new round of attacks on Iran, while Iran claims strikes on US vessels near Hormuz Strait

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal.

He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory.

Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas.

Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said.

He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days."

Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.

Iran's FM says signing of MoU with US possible within few days