U.S. Defense Secretary Announces Imminent Strikes on Iranian Targets

U.S. Central Command says the strikes respond to “Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States is preparing strikes on “key facilities” in Iran as part of ongoing negotiations for a permanent cease‑fire.

Speaking to reporters in Tampa, Florida, after leaving the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters, Hegseth reiterated President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran would “pay the price” for delaying talks.

“CENTCOM will be active tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be,” Hegseth said.

He added that he had just reviewed the plans for the operation with Admiral Bradley Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander.

“The strikes tonight will be strong and clear,” Hegseth stated, indicating that a second wave could follow if necessary.

CENTCOM posted a social‑media update announcing “additional self‑defence strikes” at 5:15 p.m. U.S. Eastern time (21:00 GMT), noting they were in response to Iran’s aggression.

Wednesday’s attack marks the second consecutive day of U.S. strikes against Iran, further straining the fragile truce established on April 8.

The United States and Israel have maintained that the conflict, which began on February 28, is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, though rhetoric from officials has varied.

Hegseth attributed the imminent attacks to frustration with Iran’s negotiating tactics, saying, “They’ve been tap‑tap‑tapping on a deal. Instead, they’ll see tap‑tap‑tap bombs dropping on key facilities.”

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