U.S. says it will launch its largest bombing operation against Iran tonight

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled what he described as the largest bombing operation directed at Iran.

In an interview with Fox Business on the 6th (local time), Bessent said, "Tonight we will carry out the largest bombing operation to inflict maximum damage on and neutralize Iranian missile launchers and manufacturing plants."

He added, "Iran is sowing economic turmoil because it has failed militarily, but it won’t be able to keep doing that," explaining his remarks.

The “economic turmoil” Bessent referred to appears to point to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has sent international oil prices sharply higher and disrupted crude supply. About 20% of the world’s seaborne crude shipments pass through the strait.

As a measure to address rising oil prices, Bessent said the U.S. is willing to further ease sanctions on Russian crude. "We can also lift sanctions on other Russian oil," he said. The U.S. recently temporarily allowed India to purchase Russian oil.

Meanwhile, the U.S. previously said its war objectives against Iran have shifted to the “next stage.” At a press conference the day before, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said, "President Donald Trump has assigned an additional mission to neutralize Iran’s ballistic missile industrial base," adding, "This is not simply striking weapons, but destroying the capacity to rebuild."

On the same day, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also said, "We are now moving to the next stage, intensifying attacks to bring down the foundations of the Iranian regime and its military power," adding, "There are more surprising plans that we cannot yet disclose."

Lee Seul-gi, Hankyung.com reporter seulkee@hankyung.com