The United States launched fresh strikes on Iran on Tuesday, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) positions after what Washington said were recent Iranian attacks and attempted attacks on commercial shipping and US forces in the region.
US Central Command said the strikes began at noon Eastern Time (1600 GMT), following what it described as attempted IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and on American service members.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, describing them as “large and powerful”. Taking to his Truth Social account, he said the attacks were in response to Iran’s attempted sea-mining in the Strait of Hormuz and eight missiles fired at a US base in Jordan, which he said were intercepted.
Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation would trigger a much stronger US response.
“If Iran retaliates, we will hit them much harder and at a much higher level,” Trump said, adding that a larger attack was “waiting in the wings”.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar and Konarak following the US strikes. Details of casualties or damage were not immediately available.
The IRGC warned that the United States would regret the attacks. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said “severe punishment” awaited Washington, signalling that Tehran was considering a response.
Iran has not, however, confirmed a new military attack against US forces in response to the latest strikes.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a more diplomatic tone, saying Tehran would reciprocate if Washington resumed fulfilling its commitments under an interim agreement. Iran has also warned that it could restrict oil exports from the Gulf if its own exports are obstructed.
The latest escalation follows a US strike on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Iran subsequently launched missiles towards US bases in Jordan, while the UAE said it intercepted an Iranian drone.
Two commercial tankers were also reportedly struck near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, raising further concerns over shipping through the strategically important waterway.
Trump has repeatedly threatened further action against Iran. After the latest strikes, he said that when the US campaign was over, “there will be very little left” of the Islamic Republic if Tehran chooses to retaliate.
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