President Trump weighs expanding military operations in Iran as the administration launches a sixth consecutive night of airstrikes.
The administration announced a new wave of US airstrikes against Iran on Thursday, marking the sixth consecutive night of military action. The strikes, overseen by US Central Command, aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities and have reached deep into the country, including the northern Semnan province. While the bombing campaign has largely focused on southern Iran, it has caused significant material damage, including a strike near a cancer hospital in Ahvaz that forced the evacuation of 211 patients. In response to the escalation, Iran has accused the US of committing "war crimes" by targeting civilian infrastructure. Iranian military officials warned that if President Trump follows through on threats to strike bridges and power plants, Iran will respond by "crushing" regional infrastructure. Meanwhile, the administration is managing a squeeze in the oil market caused by a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s energy policies, noting that swift actions have prevented massive price spikes despite the ongoing hostilities.