The United States has carried out a new wave of airstrikes against military targets in Iran following a missile attack on American forces stationed in the Middle East. According to an official statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was launched in response to what Washington described as an attempted Iranian attack on US personnel.
CENTCOM said the strikes lasted for about two hours and targeted dozens of facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the US military, the operation focused on command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance systems and other military infrastructure. The command also stated that all Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward US positions had been intercepted.
US President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington would respond forcefully to any attack against American troops. According to US media reports, he said Iran had been aware that retaliation was imminent.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that US strikes hit areas including Qeshm Island and Abadan, claiming that several civilians were killed, including a two-year-old child. These reports have not been independently verified.
According to BBC, citing official sources, the latest escalation follows several days of relative calm during which diplomatic contacts were reportedly being explored. Those efforts appear to have collapsed after the missile attack on a US military base in Jordan.
The conflict is also spreading beyond Iran. Egypt has confirmed that a fire aboard two gas vessels at the port of Damietta was caused by a drone strike, while Jordan announced that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles crossing its airspace. These developments underline the growing regional dimension of the conflict.
Energy markets are closely watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global seaborne oil supplies pass. Any prolonged disruption in this strategic waterway could significantly affect global energy prices and international trade.
Security analysts warn that the continuing cycle of retaliation increases the risk of a broader regional conflict involving additional Middle Eastern countries. Although both Washington and Tehran continue to describe their actions as defensive, the pace of military escalation is raising international concern.
Sources: CENTCOM, BBC, Reuters.
