The United States has escalated its military actions against Iran, conducting strikes on Iranian targets for the third consecutive night. This series of attacks marks a significant increase in hostilities, despite President Donald Trump's remarks indicating that a deal with Iran might still be achievable.

On July 13, Trump announced, "Tonight we will strike them very hard, and tomorrow we will continue to do so." The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the attacks began around 20:45 GMT, targeting multiple locations across Iran.

CENTCOM stated that these strikes are expected to inflict heavy losses on Iran and diminish its capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports from Iranian media indicate that the latest US strikes have targeted extensive areas in southern and western Iran, with at least four explosions reported near Bandar Abbas, a city located on the Strait.

In response to the US actions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran announced it had targeted US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain, where the military confirmed it had intercepted several Iranian flying objects. The Kuwaiti military reported that its forces had engaged "hostile aerial targets," while Jordanian forces claimed to have intercepted four Iranian missiles.

Iran maintains that its strikes are aimed solely at US targets in the Gulf region but has warned that any cooperation between regional countries and Washington will be viewed as an "act of war." The White House confirmed that Trump had informed Congress on July 7 about resuming attacks on Iran, allowing the Pentagon an additional 60 days to operate in the region without congressional approval.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran to end the hostilities in the Middle East. He stated, "I think there could be an agreement. Certainly. We had an agreement with them two days ago, and then they said, 'Oh, we can't reach that agreement. We need to negotiate further.'" Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that a memorandum from June, which served as the basis for negotiations and lifting US sanctions, is now in a "crisis state." He warned that Iran would disregard its obligations under the agreement if the US does the same but added that Tehran is still negotiating with intermediaries from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman to prevent further escalation.

According to statistics from AFP based on Iranian officials' announcements, at least 25 people have died in Iran since the conflict reignited last week. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on July 13 regarding the escalating tensions in the region, which include attacks from both sides.