US launches 12th night of Iran strikes as Trump threatens bridges and power plants

The United States military struck Iran for a 12th consecutive night on Wednesday, intensifying a conflict that has now cost an estimated $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces targeted Iranian military operation centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure — all aimed at degrading Iran's ability to disrupt commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's Escalating Rhetoric

In a sharp new threat, President Donald Trump warned he would direct the military to strike a bridge or power plant inside Iran each time Tehran attacks ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came as CENTCOM underscored that Iran had already targeted more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the strait, endangering hundreds of mariners and threatening the principle of freedom of navigation.

Since early May, US forces have escorted the passage of roughly 900 commercial ships carrying approximately 450 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz — a logistical effort that has been central to preventing a complete energy market collapse.

Iran Strikes Back in Jordan

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it conducted strikes on US military bases in Jordan on Wednesday — specifically the King Faisal Air Base and Prince Hassan Air Base. The Guard said its missiles and drones destroyed an F-15 fighter jet preparation hangar and eight MQ-9 Reaper drones, though US officials denied the claims. Iran is widely known to exaggerate the results of its military operations.

Separately, Iranian state media reported that a US-Israeli projectile struck a military headquarters near the city of Bushehr, though US forces denied conducting strikes in that area at that time. The tit-for-tat exchanges have become a daily feature of the conflict.

Diplomatic Track Stalls

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that while the United States is willing to negotiate an end to the conflict, Iran is not yet "ready" to make a deal. Rubio stressed that Iran cannot be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz, calling such a scenario a "dangerous precedent for the world." Delegations from both countries entered negotiations in June, but an earlier memorandum of understanding has largely stalled.

Iran warned that "no infrastructure will be safe" unless its own security is guaranteed. Mediators in Pakistan are reportedly attempting to revive a collapsed ceasefire agreement amid ongoing attacks.

• War cost to date: $37.5 billion (per Defense Secretary Hegseth)
• Iranian vessels targeted: over 30 commercial ships in Hormuz
• US-escorted ships: ~900 since early May
• Oil at $91/barrel; US gas over $4/gallon