US Launches Another Round of Attacks on Iran
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched a “heavy wave” of strikes against Iran in response to the country’s missile attacks on US forces earlier this week. The latest round of attacks came hours after US President Donald Trump promised to hit Iran, “very hard,” following its targeting of a base in Jordan where US troops are stationed.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets across southern provinces, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities. The attacks were concentrated in Iran’s southern provinces, particularly those along the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has claimed to have hit several IRGC targets, including a residential building on Qeshm Island that was reportedly damaged by explosions. Three people are believed to be trapped under rubble, while two others were injured in hospital treatment. The island’s power outages have been reported, with authorities working to restore electricity and remove debris.
Iranian officials have confirmed reports of US strikes targeting IRGC locations in Abadan province, as well as loud explosions on the outskirts of Kazerun city in Fars province. Operations at Kish Island’s airport and passenger ferry services remain unaffected.
The Iranian government has responded by stating that it will continue to resist US threats, even if Washington’s actions escalate further. The IRGC has also vowed to continue its resistance against American forces and their allies, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz through which a large percentage of global oil shipping passes.
US officials have announced new sanctions on two Iranian firms linked to an IRGC-backed “scheme” that aims to force commercial vessels to buy insurance to transit the strait. The US Treasury Department has stated that it will not allow Iran to hold global commerce hostage or use international shipping to finance terrorism, aggression, and repression.
The latest strikes by the US are part of a broader campaign aimed at disrupting Iranian operations in the region. The US has been engaged in a 13-day military operation against IRGC targets in response to its missile attacks on US forces earlier this week. The exact nature and scope of these attacks remain unclear, but it is believed that they have targeted key infrastructure and command centers.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. As the conflict continues to unfold, international observers are watching closely for signs of escalation or de-escalation.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
