U.S. Intensifies Airstrikes on Iran as Conflict Enters 11th Day

On the 11th day of the U.S.-Iran war, the United States executed its most significant aerial campaign to date. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that over 5,000 sites, including energy infrastructure and naval assets, were targeted to diminish Iran's combat capabilities. In the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. forces destroyed 10 Iranian mine-laying vessels following reports that Tehran was attempting to block the critical shipping lane. President Trump stated that these actions have severely weakened the Iranian military and suggested the conflict would be short-lived. Iran responded to the escalation by launching five missile strikes at Tel Aviv within a seven-hour window. This barrage was coordinated with Hezbollah rocket attacks from the north, an effort analysts believe was intended to saturate Israel's Iron Dome defense system. The human cost of the conflict continues to rise, with Iranian reports citing over 1,245 deaths and 100,000 displaced persons. The U.S. military has confirmed seven deaths and 140 injuries among its personnel following Iranian retaliatory strikes on energy facilities. The economic impact of the war remains volatile. Oil futures dropped 10% in the last 24 hours, providing a temporary boost to the Dow and S&P 500, though airlines are warning of potential service cuts due to high jet fuel costs. Internationally, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters echoed President Trump's sentiment, suggesting the war may conclude sooner than expected, even as regional tensions expand to include more direct coordination between Iran and Hezbollah.