U.S. Conducts Second Night of Airstrikes Against Iran Amid Escalating Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The United States carried out a second consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets on Sunday, marking the fourth wave of attacks in a week and intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes, which targeted Iranian air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats, aimed to “degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international shipping” in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global trade.

CENTCOM confirmed the operation’s completion late Sunday, emphasizing that “the Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway” and asserting that U.S. forces are prepared to “ensure freedom of navigation despite unwarranted Iranian aggression.” This statement directly contradicted Iranian claims that the strait had been closed following what Tehran described as violations of a 25-day-old U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to curb hostilities.

Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. military assets in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, according to Iranian media. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also reportedly targeted U.S. bases in Jordan, prompting condemnation from Gulf states and warnings from global leaders about the risk of further escalation.

“A return to full-scale hostilities would have catastrophic consequences for the region, international peace, and the global economy,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Sunday. He called on both the U.S. and Iran to “urgently resume negotiations” and address outstanding issues through diplomacy.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry echoed these concerns, stating it was “following with deep concern the recent incidents that are further escalating regional tensions.” Islamabad, which mediated the MOU, urged all parties to “exercise restraint” and “uphold respective commitments under the agreement.”

The clashes come as the U.S. and Iran continue to negotiate the implementation of the MOU, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key point of contention. The U.S. resumed strikes on Wednesday after Iran attacked three commercial ships in the strait, a move the Trump administration framed as a bid to “regain freedom of navigation.” Iran, meanwhile, has sought to assert control over maritime traffic in the region.

Despite the latest strikes, CENTCOM reported that “traffic is flowing” through the strait, though the situation remains volatile. The international community now watches closely as both sides navigate the fragile balance between escalation and de-escalation.