The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported conducting new strikes against targets inside Iran, stating that the actions were carried out in self-defense.

"Today at 5:15 p.m. EST, the armed forces launched new strikes in self-defense against numerous targets in Iran," CENTCOM said in a statement.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington intends to deliver "hard-hitting strikes" against Iran in the coming hours. Meanwhile, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth noted that the US is ready to "negotiate with bombs," when commenting on the current escalation.