American forces have launched a new series of air strikes targeting locations within Iran, ending a brief pause in military operations. The strikes, which commenced at 8 PM ET on Thursday, were a direct retaliation for an attempted ballistic missile attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against U.S. troops stationed in Jordan.
US Responds to Missile Attack
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the resumption of strikes, characterizing them as a powerful response to the earlier Iranian aggression. Reports from Iranian media, including Tasnim News Agency, indicated multiple explosions across southern Iran, specifically mentioning Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Bushehr, and other locations. Initial reports did not provide immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of the damage.
The Iranian attack involved the firing of multiple ballistic missiles at a U.S. air base and another military installation in Jordan. This marked the first direct ballistic missile attack by Iran on an American military base since Washington had temporarily halted its bombing campaign to facilitate diplomatic discussions. CENTCOM stated that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted, resulting in no casualties or damage to U.S. forces or facilities in Jordan.
Escalation in Regional Tensions
President Trump had previously signaled a forceful response, telling reporters at the White House, "So it's our turn. We're going to hit them very hard." However, he also hinted at ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, "We're having good talks. I think there's a good chance that something could happen, and if it doesn't, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago."
The renewed strikes follow a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where discussions on Iran were a central focus. The White House described these talks as "positive and productive."
Broader Regional Conflict
This latest escalation is part of a wider pattern of regional conflict. Earlier this week, the United States and Saudi Arabia conducted coordinated strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq. These operations were a response to over 30 drone attacks targeting U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure over a three-day period.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq reported that at least 20 individuals were killed in the joint U.S.-Saudi operation, which CENTCOM stated targeted logistics hubs and weapons facilities used by Iran-backed groups. Saudi Arabia had also confirmed its air defenses intercepted drones aimed at oil facilities in its Eastern Province, attributing the attacks to Iran-aligned armed groups operating from Iraqi territory.