The United States launched what it described as a “heavy wave” of military strikes against Iran after Tehran allegedly attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces in the Middle East. The latest escalation marks another major development in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has continued for five months despite recent diplomatic efforts.
According to US Central Command (Centcom), the strikes began at around 20:00 ET on Wednesday and lasted for approximately one hour. The operation targeted dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military sites, including command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance systems, defense installations, and maritime capabilities. Centcom said the action was carried out in response to Iran’s attempted missile attacks on US bases in Jordan and attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military added that all Iranian missiles aimed at American forces were successfully intercepted.
Iranian state media reported that several locations in southern and western Iran were hit, including the strategic islands of Qeshm and the oil hub of Abadan. According to Iranian reports, three civilians, including a two-year-old child, were killed after a residential house in Qeshm was struck.
Earlier this week, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a US air base and command center in Jordan in retaliation for what it described as American aggression. The IRGC also claimed responsibility for attacks on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump had warned of a strong military response following Tuesday’s attempted attack, telling reporters that the US would respond forcefully because “it’s our turn to hit them.” Meanwhile, Axios reported that Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed Saudi Arabia’s desire for de-escalation during a meeting with President Trump, although the White House has not officially commented.
The conflict has widened beyond Iran and the US. Jordan confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted five Iranian missiles on Thursday, while Egypt reported that a fire at one of its ports was caused by a drone attack. Separately, the United States and Saudi Arabia recently carried out joint strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq following a series of drone attacks targeting regional interests.
The war began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Although both sides briefly paused military operations amid reports of possible negotiations, the latest exchanges have ended hopes of an immediate de-escalation, leaving uncertainty over how the conflict will develop in the coming weeks.
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