US military completes heavy wave of strikes on Iran after missile attacks
Centcom says dozens of IRGC sites were hit; Jordan reports interception of five Iranian missiles, while Iranian media cites civilian casualties on Qeshm island
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The United States announced that it has finished a heavy wave of strikes against Iran in response to attempted ballistic missile attacks on American personnel. The Department of Defense said the operation began at 20:00 ET on Wednesday and lasted about an hour. Centcom reported that the strikes hit dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets, including command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities.
Escalation background
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The latest attacks follow a week in which US‑Saudi forces struck Iranian proxies in Iraq. A ceasefire that had paused the broader conflict in April collapsed in June, leading to a series of retaliatory actions. The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports and has bombed Iranian installations, while Iran has launched missiles and drones at US assets across the Middle East and targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional impact
Jordan's armed forces said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles that were heading toward Jordanian territory on Thursday. The Jordanian statement did not disclose any casualties. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that three people were killed on Qeshm island, including a two‑year‑old child, after a US strike hit a residential home in the Chah Tangu neighbourhood. The report added that the islands of Qeshm and Abadan, both important to Iran's oil sector, were among the areas struck.
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We're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them. They know it's coming.
Donald Trump, President of the United States
International reactions
Saudi Arabia has coordinated its actions with the United States, joining US strikes on Iranian‑backed militias in Iraq. Iraqi officials described the bombing of Popular Mobilisation Forces bases as an unacceptable breach of Iraq's sovereignty. The Iraqi presidency issued a statement condemning the attacks, while the US claimed the operations were coordinated with the Iraqi government.
The next steps remain unclear. US officials have not detailed further plans, and Iranian authorities have warned of additional retaliation. Observers note that the conflict could widen if regional actors expand their involvement. The situation will be monitored for further developments.
Questions this report answers
+How many Iranian missiles did Jordan intercept?
Jordan’s armed forces said they shot down five Iranian missiles aimed at the kingdom. This interception highlights the regional spillover of the conflict, as Iran’s missile attacks targeted multiple Middle Eastern countries.
+What casualties were reported in Iran after the US strikes?
Iranian state media reported three civilian deaths on Qeshm island, including a two-year-old child, after a US strike hit a residential home. The strikes also targeted areas important to Iran’s oil sector, such as Qeshm and Abadan.
+Which countries coordinated with the US in the strikes?
Saudi Arabia joined the US in strikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, while Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at its territory. These actions show growing regional involvement in the escalating conflict.
+What happens next in the conflict?
The next steps remain unclear, as US officials have not detailed further plans. Iranian authorities have warned of additional retaliation, raising concerns that the conflict could widen if more actors become involved.
News London Desk
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