The U.S. military has carried out a fresh round of strikes against Iranian targets, according to U.S. Central Command, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate and a fragile ceasefire appears increasingly at risk.

The latest military action came after President Donald Trump accused Iran of delaying negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and warned that Tehran would face consequences.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said Iran had “taken too long to negotiate a deal” and vowed that the United States would respond forcefully.

“Iran will pay the price,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. was prepared to act decisively if diplomatic efforts failed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that stance, telling reporters that military force remained an option if negotiations broke down.

“If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs,” Hegseth said. “And we’re very good at it.”

The latest escalation follows an earlier exchange of fire that erupted after the reported downing of a U.S. Army helicopter, further straining the already fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

Regional governments reported increased military activity following the strikes. Authorities in Kuwait and Bahrain said they detected incoming attacks and activated air defense systems as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s military announced that it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles that were reportedly heading toward an area hosting a U.S. military installation.

Report of Strike on Iranian Cargo Vessel

Separately, Iranian media reported that a cargo vessel was struck by U.S. forces in the Gulf of Oman early Thursday.

According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, local officials in Sirik County said the vessel, identified as a traditional wooden cargo dhow, was carrying essential goods when it was hit approximately five nautical miles off the coast near the port of Khasab.

Officials said all five crew members aboard were rescued by nearby vessels and later transported safely to Oman.

There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. authorities regarding the reported maritime strike.

The developments mark another significant escalation in the conflict and raise fresh concerns about stability across the Gulf region, where military confrontations have increasingly threatened shipping routes, energy supplies and broader diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace agreement.