U.S. President Donald Trump said that, as the conflict with Iran continues, the cost of repairing the war damage will be covered using Iranian assets frozen by the United States.
The United States military said it carried out strikes on Iran for the 13th consecutive night, while Iranian state media reported that four people were killed and five others were injured.
The latest strikes followed claims by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen that they had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Growing concerns over disruptions to global maritime shipping have also pushed oil prices higher.
Iranian state media reported explosions at key military and commercial sites in the country’s south, including the port city of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
President Donald Trump had previously vowed to respond forcefully to Iran over continued attacks by the Houthis and Iran against U.S. allies and American interests.
The U.S. military said the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten civilian shipping.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said the strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communications networks, and systems used to coordinate maritime operations, among other military infrastructure.
As the United States continues efforts to regain control of the Strait of Hormuz, concerns are mounting over fresh attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The heightened tensions have driven prices sharply higher, with crude oil reaching $100 per barrel for the first time since May.
As both sides continue exchanging attacks, President Donald Trump said that damage to vessels transiting the region would be paid for using Iranian assets under U.S. control, adding that the funds available for that purpose were substantial.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Trump’s remarks, saying, “Those who celebrate or profit from those assets should remember that once governments become accustomed to confiscating people’s property, no one’s assets will remain secure.”
Although the two sides continued to clash throughout June, the United States and Iran agreed to a 14-point framework aimed at halting military operations, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and working toward a ceasefire within the following 60 days.
However, just three weeks after the agreement was signed, Trump declared that the truce was over following Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the United States to launch retaliatory strikes.
