U.S. strikes Iran for 13th night as Trump threatens ‘massive attack’
8 reported3 unconfirmed
The United States launched a fresh barrage of strikes on Iran overnight, marking the 13th consecutive night of military action, as President Donald Trump threatened a potential "massive attack" on the Islamic Republic. Trump told Axios on Thursday he is weighing an escalation "bigger than ever before," while also leaving the door open for negotiations, stating that the U.S. is currently talking to Iran. Iran has responded with new attacks on shipping and U.S. bases and allies across the Middle East, extending the conflict from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab el Mandeb strait after Houthi rebels struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Oil briefly surged above $100 a barrel before dropping to around $97. Senior Arab officials expressed frustration with the lack of diplomatic progress, with one saying, "It's only getting crazier." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have hit U.S. facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, while explosions were reported near a U.S. base in northern Iraq.
What’s reported
The U.S. launched a 13th straight night of strikes against Iran, targeting military command centers, drone storage, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.
President Trump told Axios he is weighing a "massive attack" on Iran that would be "bigger than ever before."
Trump said the U.S. is also negotiating with Iran, stating, "as we speak, we're talking to them."
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, and Trump threatened "major military punishment" for both Iran and the Houthis.
Oil briefly surged above $100 a barrel on Thursday before dropping to around $97 on Friday.
Senior Arab officials told NBC News they were growing frustrated with the threats and lack of diplomatic progress.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have hit storage warehouses at a U.S. base in Kuwait and a control tower of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain.
State-run IRNA reported four people killed and five injured in the area of Ahvaz, Iran.
Open questions
The exact status of diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Whether the reported Iranian strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain caused casualties or damage.
The full extent of shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, as some ships may have turned off their transmitters.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi
Richard Engel, Chantal Da Silva, Matthew Mulligan (reporters)
Sources: NBC News
