US Continues Airstrikes on Iran, Trump Warns of Underground Nuclear Facility Attack

Washington DC. The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned of targeting Iran's underground nuclear facility.

Trump gave this warning during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, stating that the underground nuclear facility named 'Pikex Mountain' near Natanz would be attacked soon and with extreme power. Trump said, 'We will launch a major attack in that area soon. There is nothing they can do to stop it.'

Following this, tension in West Asia has further escalated. According to the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), the objective of the latest attack is to weaken the military capability that threatens commercial ships in Iran's Strait of Hormuz region.

According to Iranian state media, the air defense system was activated in the capital Tehran. Explosions were also reportedly heard in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, and Bushehr, the region of Iran's only nuclear power plant.

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military command has warned that such an attack would be considered a further expansion of the war. Iran has threatened retaliatory attacks on all US interests, its allies, and supporters. A ceasefire was agreed between the US and Iran in April. However, military clashes between the two countries have resumed since last week over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, the US military has attacked Iran's military operational centers, naval capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites, and military logistics structures. The US has also accused Iran of attacking more than 30 commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the last three months. The US stated that these attacks have put the free movement of international waterways at risk.

Meanwhile, Kuwait has stated that its air defense system is intercepting drones coming from Iran, while Bahrain and Jordan have also reported intercepting drones and missiles. In this regard, Trump has also warned Yemen's Houthi group, supported by Iran. Trump stated that if the Houthis, after announcing the closure of the Bab al-Mandab strait for Saudi Arabian ships, proceed with their actions, the US will take action against the Houthis.

Following the Houthis' warning, two tankers carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port to China and India have changed their course and returned towards the Suez Canal, according to the British maritime security agency Vanguard. The importance of oil transportation through the Red Sea has increased due to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Houthis' new warning has increased concerns about further disruption to international waterways and global energy supply.

In June, an understanding was reached between the US and Iran to stop the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and reach a permanent agreement within 60 days. However, Trump announced the end of the ceasefire after three weeks, citing attacks on ships by Iran. According to US Defense Secretary Hag, the US expenditure in the war with Iran has reached $37.5 billion so far, which is about $8 billion more than the estimate in May.

He has warned that even military training programs will be affected if additional budget is not approved by the US Senate.