U.S. and Israeli operations continue targeting Iranian forces while negotiations and regional tensions intensify.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
U.S. Central Command said American military operations inside Iran are continuing to reduce the country’s ability to project force beyond its borders as the joint U.S.–Israeli campaign approached its fourth week.
In a social media statement, CENTCOM said U.S. forces “continue to eliminate the Iranian regime’s ability to project military power beyond its borders,” sharing footage of what it described as a strike on an Iranian military facility.
The campaign entered its 28th day on Friday, with ongoing strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Reports indicate that numerous senior Iranian officials, including top leadership figures, have been killed since the start of operations.
CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement a day earlier that 92 percent of Iran’s large naval vessels have been destroyed since the beginning of combat operations on Feb. 28. He added that strikes would continue and urged Iranian naval personnel to “immediately abandon their post and return home” to reduce the risk of casualties. The remarks followed confirmation of the death of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps navy during an Israeli airstrike.
Israeli officials signaled that operations are expected to intensify. Defense Minister Israel Katz said attacks “will escalate and expand,” referencing prior warnings issued alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging Iran to halt missile launches targeting civilian areas in Israel.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts remain underway. President Donald Trump said negotiations concerning the conflict and maritime access are ongoing, stating in a Truth Social post that talks are “going very well,” while also criticizing what he described as inaccurate media coverage.
Trump also announced a temporary pause in potential strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, writing, “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time.” He added, “Talks are ongoing.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to both the military and economic dimensions of the conflict. Iran’s control over the waterway has raised concerns about global energy supply disruptions, with regional officials reporting that vessels are now being required to pay tolls to secure passage.
U.S. officials have said discussions with Tehran include efforts to reopen the strait, which typically carries a significant share of the world’s crude oil shipments.
Earlier in the conflict, Trump warned of potential strikes on Iranian energy sites if maritime traffic was not restored, initially issuing a 48-hour deadline before later extending timelines amid ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Iran has publicly rejected claims of formal negotiations, with state-linked outlets promoting alternative proposals that include demands related to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and other conditions.
On Friday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning through state-run Tasnim News advising civilians in the region to avoid U.S. military installations. “We recommend that you urgently leave the locations of the American forces to avoid any harm coming to you,” the statement said.
The conflict continues to evolve as military operations, economic pressures and diplomatic efforts proceed simultaneously across the region.
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