Hegseth says U.S. military to strike Iran for second consecutive evening

• The U.S. military conducted new strikes against multiple targets in Iran for the second consecutive night.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz through maritime operations and a blockade.
• Hegseth warned of further strikes on Iran's 'key facilities' if negotiations fail.
• Iran claimed to have restricted maritime movement through the Strait and disputed U.S. claims of control.
• Gulf states briefly closed airspace and activated air defense systems amid the escalating tensions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted American dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that sustained maritime operations and a blockade have ensured the movement of global shipping despite Iranian resistance. Speaking from Tampa, Florida, Hegseth indicated that U.S. forces are actively shaping conditions in the strategic waterway.

Amid rising tensions, Hegseth stated that the U.S. Central Command has protected over 100 million barrels of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and that the U.S. blockade has stopped nearly 140 ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports. He declared that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz, enabling the movement of oil and other goods with partners.

These remarks coincide with the U.S. military conducting a second consecutive night of air strikes against multiple targets in Iran. Hegseth warned that further strikes on Iran's "key facilities" would occur if diplomatic progress stalls, drawing a parallel between negotiations and "bombs dropping."

Iran, however, claimed responsibility for attacks on multiple regional bases, including facilities they said hosted U.S. personnel, and announced measures restricting maritime movement through the Strait. U.S. Central Command rejected these claims, stating that shipping continued normally and no blockade existed. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned of further retaliation and accused Washington of fabricating escalation narratives.

U.S. military officials confirmed that strikes were carried out using various assets targeting Iranian infrastructure linked to threats against regional shipping and U.S. forces. Iran, in turn, stated that the strikes damaged civilian infrastructure. The situation has led to broader regional disruption, with Gulf states briefly closing airspace and activating air defense systems.