Thekabarnews.com—The United States has launched new airstrikes deep inside Iran. This move marks a further escalation of the rapidly rising tension between Washington and Tehran.

The commander in chief authorized additional military action, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, as cited in Fox News.

The strikes were “self-defense strikes” in response to what CENTCOM said was ongoing Iranian aggression.

The strikes are in response to ongoing unprovoked aggression by Iran, CENTCOM said in a statement.

The U.S. military said the operation targeted several sites within Iran. However, officials did not immediately say what the facilities were or the extent of damage inflicted in the strikes.

The military operation was extended to several locations in the country. Local reports described explosions in Sirik, Qeshm Island, Minab and Isfahan.

There was no immediate word from Iranian officials about casualties or damage to infrastructure.

The latest military action comes amid a deepening standoff between the US and Iran that has been building for months. Moreover, tensions are running high across the Middle East.

Washington has long accused Iran of backing attacks on U.S. personnel and regional shipping lanes. However, Tehran has consistently denied these charges and condemned the U.S. military presence in the region.

There are fears a return to military strikes will spread the conflict beyond the two countries. In addition, such actions may draw in more regional players.

Further military escalation could threaten maritime security, destabilize global energy markets and cause the Gulf region to become unstable.

Several of the sites that were hit are located near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for the global oil trade. According to reports, this is one of the most strategically important shipping lanes on the planet.

A prolonged conflict in the region could affect trade, energy supplies and investor confidence in international financial markets.

Both sides are to exercise restraint to prevent the crisis from escalating into a broader regional conflict.

Several states and international bodies have called on Washington and Tehran to lower military tensions and seek diplomacy.

And there is increasing pressure from friends and the international community on both sides. They urge each party to avoid actions that could further destabilize the Middle East.

The new US strikes highlight the fragile security environment in the region and the growing challenges for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Furthermore, military operations continue and both sides closely monitor the situation.

So far there is little sign of de-escalation. The international spotlight is now on what the two governments do in the coming days. It is still uncertain whether diplomatic channels can prevent the crisis from escalating further.

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