U.S. Launches Second Round of Airstrikes on Iran, Sparking Global Concern

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) recently launched a second round of airstrikes against multiple targets within Iran. CENTCOM has also released video footage of the strikes on its official website and the social media platform X. This series of military operations has drawn attention and concern from the international community.

CENTCOM is one of the 11 unified combatant commands under the U.S. Department of Defense, established in 1983. Its area of responsibility encompasses the Middle East (including Egypt in Africa), Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. CENTCOM has played a leading role in several major military operations, including the 1991 Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War from 2003 to 2011. As of 2015, CENTCOM forces were primarily deployed in Afghanistan, participating in Operation Freedom's Sentinel, which was part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission. Additionally, CENTCOM has been involved in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, providing support and advisory services to local forces.

CENTCOM’s leadership has consistently been closely linked to senior U.S. defense officials. For instance, the two most recent U.S. Secretaries of Defense—Lloyd Austin and James Mattis—were both former commanders of CENTCOM. This close relationship reflects the command's significant role in U.S. defense strategy. The current commander of CENTCOM is U.S. Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, who assumed the position on August 8, 2025.

Iran is a key nation in the Middle East, and its relationship with the United States is complex and frequently strained. In recent years, the two countries have held serious disagreements over numerous issues, including nuclear proliferation and regional security. The U.S. airstrikes against Iran are likely to further exacerbate tensions between the two nations and impact the security landscape in the Middle East.

CENTCOM’s military operations and Iran’s response will continue to be closely monitored by the international community. U.S. allies and partners are observing the situation to assess its implications for regional security and the global order. Meanwhile, Iran may take counter-measures, potentially further escalating regional tensions.

For Taiwan, the tension between the U.S. and Iran and CENTCOM’s military actions are of significant importance to regional security and the global situation. Although Taiwan has no direct trade or security ties with Iran, the security landscape in the Middle East affects global energy markets and supply chains. Furthermore, the U.S. military presence and activities in the Middle East have indirect implications for the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Consequently, understanding CENTCOM’s military operations and Iran’s reactions provides a valuable reference for assessing regional security and the global climate.