US launches strikes on Iran after attack on Jordan base
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after Washington launched strikes against Iranian targets following a ballistic missile attack on a US military base in Jordan.
US Central Command said its forces began the strikes at around 8pm Eastern Time on Wednesday. CENTCOM described the operation as a “powerful response” to attempted attacks against American forces in the Middle East.
The strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for operations targeting US military assets in Jordan. The IRGC said it had targeted an airbase and a command centre.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that Iran would face a strong military response. Trump said the United States would hit Iran “very hard” after the attack, despite reports that US forces had intercepted the missiles.
The latest developments have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Military activity has also been reported across southern Iran.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported explosions in Bushehr province, home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Several explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island. Iranian media said a missile may have struck a residential area, although details about casualties were not immediately available.
Other explosions were reported at several locations in southern Iran following the launch of the US operation.
The conflict has also intensified around Iraq. Baghdad condemned US and Saudi strikes that reportedly killed members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces. The group said at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others were wounded.
Iranian media separately reported that four Iranian advisers were killed in the strikes.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also become increasingly tense. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its naval forces targeted three oil tankers that were allegedly approaching the strategic waterway using routes not approved by Tehran.
Iran has rejected an Omani proposal concerning shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also discussed imposing charges on vessels using the strategically important passage.
Iranian officials have insisted that mine-clearing operations in the waterway should be carried out by Iranian forces. Tehran has warned that any European involvement could turn those forces into potential targets.
The latest escalation comes only days after Trump said Washington was holding what he described as positive talks with Iran. He had also warned that military action could resume if Tehran failed to show seriousness in negotiations.
Analysts have warned that continued retaliation could create a dangerous cycle of escalation. They say repeated strikes could eventually expand beyond military targets and increase the risk to civilians and critical infrastructure.
