Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe U.S. military initiated new self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday evening, acting under the direction of the Commander in Chief. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American forces would be "busy tonight" as President Trump had threatened to hit Iran "very hard." These strikes were conducted in response to Iran's "unwarranted and continued aggression" and specifically cited the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. had already conducted strikes against Iran, which led to Iran retaliating by firing at American bases located in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Despite the escalating military actions, President Trump stated that the U.S. still aims to achieve a peace deal to resolve the ongoing conflict. In fullIran-US war latest: American military launches new strikes in ‘response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Two US crew members were rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

The US Central Command said its forces began launching “self-defence” strikes against Iran on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Trump has repeatedly said Iran wants to make a deal with him to end the war and that they have agreed to concessions.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m.