US-Iran Hostilities Escalate Amid Fresh Strikes, Oil Prices Surge
Trump Weighs ‘Massive Attack’ as US-Iran Conflict Intensifies
Conflict Enters 13th Consecutive Day
THE military confrontation between the United States and Iran showed no signs of easing on Friday as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had concluded its 13th consecutive night of military strikes against Iranian targets.
According to CENTCOM, the latest operations targeted military installations in southern Iranian cities, including Khorramabad, Jask, Ahvaz and Bandar Abbas. Iranian media reports indicated that at least four people were killed during the latest wave of attacks.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the strikes were directed at Iranian military facilities, drone storage sites, communications infrastructure, coastal surveillance systems and maritime capabilities.
The command maintained that the military campaign is intended to reduce threats to civilian shipping and commercial vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Responds with Retaliatory Strikes
Iran responded by launching attacks on the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and the Al-Azraq Air Base, both of which host United States military personnel.
The latest exchange of attacks continues a cycle of retaliation that has steadily intensified since early July, with both countries expanding the range of military targets.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly maintained that their actions are proportional responses to American military operations.
Trump Signals Possibility of Larger Military Action
Amid the escalating conflict, US President Donald Trump said his administration is considering a significantly larger military operation against Iran.
Speaking on Thursday, Trump declared that Iran had not “received enough pain yet” and suggested that any future strike could be “bigger than ever before.”
The president also indicated that a decision on the proposed operation could be made soon, raising concerns that the conflict could widen further.
Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal
Iran has also dismissed a ceasefire proposal reportedly delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi following consultations with senior Iranian officials.
According to reports, the proposal was presented to President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after the Iraqi leader’s visit to Washington.
Responding to the initiative, President Pezeshkian said Iran did not require additional mediators, arguing that the central issue remained Washington’s approach to the conflict.
“The problem is America’s outlook, which is illogical, greedy and controlling,” he was quoted as saying.
Foreign Minister Araghchi also reiterated that Iran would continue responding proportionately to attacks on its territory and interests.
Oil Markets React to Escalating Crisis
The renewed hostilities have further heightened concerns over global energy supplies, particularly as the conflict increasingly centres on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The latest military exchanges have contributed to a sharp rise in international crude oil prices, which climbed to about $100 per barrel on Thursday—the highest level in more than a month.
Analysts attribute the increase to fears of prolonged disruption to maritime trade through the Gulf, with markets closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation.
