The United States has carried out a fresh wave of military strikes on Iran, marking a significant escalation in the five-month-old conflict that has increasingly drawn in countries across the Middle East. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the operation lasted around two hours and targeted dozens of military sites linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal defence systems, surveillance installations, and maritime assets.
According to U.S. officials, the strikes were launched in response to what Washington described as a surprise Iranian ballistic missile attack on U.S. military personnel stationed in Jordan. The U.S. said its air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, preventing casualties. President Donald Trump vowed a forceful response, saying the United States would continue to defend its forces and regional interests against further attacks.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several parts of the country, including Khuzestan province and Qeshm Island, with initial reports indicating injuries and damage to military-linked infrastructure. Tehran has condemned the U.S. operation, accusing Washington of violating its sovereignty and further destabilising the region. Iranian officials warned that they reserve the right to respond to any military action against the country.
The renewed U.S. strikes come after a brief lull in hostilities, during which diplomatic efforts sought to reduce tensions. However, those talks have stalled amid continued exchanges of missile and drone attacks. In recent days, Iranian missiles and drones have targeted U.S. and allied interests across the region, including Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and key maritime routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
The widening conflict has heightened fears of a broader regional war. Jordan confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles entering its airspace, while security alerts were raised in neighbouring Gulf countries. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains under close watch, with energy markets reacting to concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
International leaders have renewed calls for restraint, warning that continued military escalation could further destabilise the Middle East and threaten global economic security. Despite the latest strikes, U.S. officials have maintained that the operation was intended as a targeted response rather than the start of a broader offensive. Nevertheless, with both Washington and Tehran signalling readiness for further action, the conflict remains highly volatile and the risk of additional escalation continues to grow.
