U.S. military says it has begun striking 'multiple targets' in Iran in latest escalation of tensions

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-military-says-it-has-begun-striking-multiple-targets-in-iran-in-latest-escalation-of-tensions Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter U.S. military says it has begun striking 'multiple targets' in Iran in latest escalation of tensions World Jun 10, 2026 6:02 PM EDT U.S. Central Command said in a social media post Wednesday that the military is striking "multiple targets in Iran" and it is happening "in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression." READ MORE: Trump says Iran will 'pay the price' for stalled talks, as U.S. and Tehran trade fire The strikes come just a day after the U.S. hit Iran following the crash of an Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz that Trump blamed on Tehran. Hegseth said U.S. would strike Iran tonight Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military would strike Iran "hard" Wednesday night following threats for more strikes from Trump earlier in the day. While Trump said the strikes are further retaliation for what he said is Iran's downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter, Hegseth said they are happening "not because we want to restart anything" but because the Pentagon "is prepared to set the terms to ensure that we get the kind of deal President Trump expects." "Those strikes that will happen tonight will be strong; they will be clear," Hegseth said. "If they have to happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and they will be clear." Iran's UN envoy says Trump should refrain from threats of force if he wants a deal Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stressed to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that "no sustainable deal can be reached through terrorists, intimidation, or the use of force." "Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or question," he said. Iravani said the United States has repeatedly pursued this policy and should have learned by now "that threats and military intimidation are counterproductive." "If Washington is genuinely interested in a diplomatic solution, it must abandon the language of terrorism and engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and full adherence to international law," the Iranian ambassador said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now