US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces resumed bombing operations against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The strikes were a direct response to attempted IRGC attacks the previous day that targeted US forces across the Middle East.
Ongoing operation with broad targets
CENTCOM did not immediately disclose further details regarding the targets or the anticipated length of the operation. An official speaking to Fox News said the operation remains ongoing and encompasses a "very broad" range of targets, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate following recent clashes involving US forces and Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq.
The reported strikes follow the US military's announcement on Tuesday that it had intercepted a barrage of Iranian missiles directed at American positions. "We're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them. They know it's coming," President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday. CENTCOM confirmed all missiles were successfully intercepted and that forces "remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness."
Warnings and coordination
US officials issued a stark warning that any further attacks on American troops or Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure could prompt additional military action. CENTCOM confirmed the US coordinated with Saudi forces on strikes against locations in Iraq that Tehran-backed militias have used to launch attacks, ending a brief lull in hostilities.
The escalation follows weeks of bombardment, sanctions, and mounting tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The Popular Mobilization Forces—a coalition of predominantly Shiite armed groups aligned with Iran operating under Iraq's security umbrella—reported that at least 20 fighters were killed and dozens more wounded in the American strikes on Iranian-linked Iraqi factions. Iraqi militia officials also claimed that Iranian advisers were among those killed, though casualty figures varied across separate accounts.
Broader regional impact
British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that drone strikes ignited fires aboard two natural gas vessels at Egypt's port of Damietta, involving a US-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned tanker. No casualties were reported, and responsibility remained unclear. Jordan's military announced it had intercepted several missiles, reporting no immediate casualties or significant damage.
