US Official Says New Iran Offensive '4-5 Times Bigger' Than Last Strikes, Warns More To Come
US Official Says New Iran Offensive '4-5 Times Bigger' Than Last Strikes, Warns More To Come Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 04:41 IST
US Official Says New Iran Offensive '4-5 Times Bigger' Than Last Strikes, Warns More To Come Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 04:41 IST The US military said it carried out airstrikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz. A gas flare on an oil production platform is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Gulf. (Reuters file photo) The latest US strikes on Iran are “four or five times bigger in scope and power" than the previous attacks carried out ten days ago, a US official told Axios, warning that the operation could continue for several more hours. The official said the strikes were the most intense US attacks on Iran since the April ceasefire. Another US official told CNN that the strikes were meant as “punishment, not proportional" and suggested the operation was not close to ending.
“This is punishment. It won’t be over for a bit," the official told CNN. Targets Included Missiles, Drones And Port Facilities The US military said it carried out airstrikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. According to the US official, the targets included Iranian air defence systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missile sites, anti-ship cruise missile locations, drone launch facilities and port infrastructure. Iranian state media reported several explosions following the strikes, including in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island. Fires were also reported at Sirik pier and Shahid Haqqani Port in Bandar Abbas. The US Central Command said the strikes were launched in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, warning that Washington would impose “heavy costs" for targeting international shipping.
In response Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of repeatedly violating the signed memorandum of understanding between the two countries and warned that Tehran would take “any action it deems necessary" to protect its interests and national security. The escalation comes as tensions rise between the two sides despite efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire and to end the war in Wes Asia. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers,... Read More Location: United States of America (USA) First Published: July 08, 2026, 04:37 IST News world US Official Says New Iran Offensive '4-5 Times Bigger' Than Last Strikes, Warns More To Come Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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