U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes in Iran

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that its troops executed military strikes on several targets in Iran, including the city of Bushehr, where the nation’s only known operating civilian power plant is located.

This series of airstrikes is part of a renewed initiative against Iran’s regime, which escalated following its aggressive, seemingly random attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in early July. This period coincided with the nation’s mourning for the late dictator Ali Khamenei. On February 28, President Trump indicated that the former “supreme leader” had been eliminated during the first U.S. airstrike, which is part of Operation Epic Fury—designed to weaken Iran’s threat to neighboring countries.

Operation Epic Fury was briefly paused after a ceasefire was declared in April. However, in late June, a “memorandum of understanding” was reportedly signed between Washington and Tehran, which Iran dismissed by recommencing attacks in early July, thereby violating the agreement. President Trump later remarked that the ceasefire was effectively “over,” while still expressing openness to negotiate with remaining Iranian officials.

According to a post on his platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘dialogue.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has told them in no uncertain terms that the ceasefire is over.”

CENTCOM released a statement late Monday, outlining the military’s actions during what they described as a “five-hour mission.” They reported striking military targets throughout Iran, including locations in Bushehr, Char Bahar, Jask, Konark, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas, successfully diminishing Iran’s capacity to attack commercial shipping. Bushehr is situated on the southern coast along the Persian Gulf.

The statement also mentioned that CENTCOM forces utilized precision weaponry against coastal defense frameworks, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities. Currently, over 50,000 U.S. military personnel are deployed across the Middle East, maintaining a vigilant and ready posture.

Iranian state media confirmed that “enemy” attacks occurred in Bushehr, with witnesses reporting explosions and accusing the U.S. of breaching the recent ceasefire agreement mentioned by President Trump. Interestingly, there were no specific concerns expressed about the nuclear power plant, and authorities only noted that “four locations in Bushehr city were attacked by enemy projectiles,” according to Deputy Governor Ehsan Jahanian.

The Trump administration has previously targeted Iranian nuclear complexes, notably in June 2025 with airstrikes on suspected uranium enrichment sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. However, Bushehr is typically approached with more caution due to its role as a civilian nuclear facility, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversees. An IAEA visit to the Bushehr site on June 1 did not reveal any unusual activities.

The recent airstrikes followed President Trump’s mounting frustration with Iranian leaders over the previous two weeks, where he referred to them in harsh terms. In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, he mentioned the memorandum as a “test” of Iran’s commitment to its promises.

He expressed skepticism, declaring, “The Memorandum of Understanding doesn’t mean much when you’re dealing with despicable fraudsters.” He also hinted that the U.S. might target another Iranian nuclear site, known as Pickaxe Mountain.

Trump stated, “But a pickaxe is a potential target for a big, fat shot towards your front door,” before acknowledging that the U.S. is closely monitoring the site, noting an absence of activity. He also mentioned intentions for the U.S. to “occupy” the Strait of Hormuz, asserting dominance in the region.

With shipping traffic in the strait dropping to its lowest point in two months, this decline has been linked to renewed assaults by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).