Washington: The US military has announced a series of strikes targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in retaliation for recent Iranian attacks on American forces stationed in Jordan. The military's Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the operation, which lasted approximately two hours, targeted military command centers, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance and defense sites linked to the IRGC.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the strikes are part of a broader strategy to mitigate threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries. The escalation follows Iran's confirmation of firing ballistic missiles at US military bases in Jordan, prompting President Donald Trump to declare a forceful response despite ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The conflict, now five months old, has seen repeated breaches of a June memorandum of understanding meant to pause hostilities and allow for peace talks. Concerns are mounting that the conflict could further destabilize the Middle East, with Iran targeting sites in Egypt and the US striking Iranian proxy groups in Iraq. Additionally, Tehran's continued targeting of commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has amplified tensions.
Allison Minor, director of the Atlantic Council's Project for Middle East Integration, highlighted the escalating conflict's complexity in an interview with RFE/RL. She noted that Iran appears determined to control the terms of the conflict's resolution and is unafraid of ongoing confrontations with the US.
While Iranian missiles aimed at Jordanian targets were intercepted, the Egyptian government confirmed that a drone attack caused a fire on a US-owned gas storage tanker in Damietta, marking the first such incident in Egypt since hostilities began in February. In Kuwait, Iranian attacks reportedly damaged a building owned by a Chinese company, resulting in one casualty and substantial property damage.
Efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution continue, with Pakistan, a key player in the now-defunct memorandum of understanding, confirming ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi indicated that talks are focused on de-escalation, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump, in discussions with Fox News, expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement with Iran, citing "good talks" and a "good chance" for a deal. However, he also emphasized that military actions could resume if diplomatic efforts fail.