The United States has launched a series of powerful strikes against Iran in retaliation for an attempted surprise attack on American troops in the Middle East. The attacks began after Centcom reported that Iranian forces had fired on US bases in Jordan and at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, the latest hostilities came just days after the first publicly announced joint US-Saudi strikes targeted Iranian proxies in Iraq. These strikes were described as a “powerful response” by Centcom, which stated that they aimed to disrupt Iran’s military capabilities and operations.
The conflict has been ongoing for several months, with both sides engaging in a series of skirmishes and exchanges. However, the latest escalation appears to have reignited tensions between the two countries. On Wednesday, Axios reported that US President Donald Trump had met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who conveyed his country’s desire to de-escalate tensions.
The BBC has contacted the White House for comment on this development and is awaiting further updates from the administration. The conflict has sparked concerns about regional stability and the potential consequences of a prolonged escalation.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded to the US attack by targeting a US air base in Jordan and a command centre, while also striking three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated that it had taken “measures to protect its national interests” after being attacked.
The US military has confirmed that it launched strikes against Iranian targets, including multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq. Iraqi forces have reported that at least 20 members of their paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were killed in the strikes.
Saudi Arabia, which sees itself as the leading Sunni Muslim power, has expressed its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has denied any involvement in talks or negotiations with the US.
The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with both sides engaging in a series of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The BBC will continue to monitor developments in this story as more information becomes available.
Source: BBC Top Stories
Based on reporting from BBC Top Stories.
