The United States launched a heavy wave of strikes on Iran overnight, hitting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets, according to US Central Command. The attacks came after a days-long pause in violence and hours after President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran 'very hard' following a strike on a base in Jordan hosting US troops.
US strikes target IRGC facilities
US Central Command said it hit dozens of IRGC targets in Iran as part of a 'heavy wave of strikes', including military command centres, missile and drone facilities, in a two-hour operation. 'The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighbouring Gulf countries,' the command said.
Iranian state media reported three people injured in attacks on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz, and explosions in Khuzestan province. The IRGC confirmed three of its members were killed by US strikes in the north-western province of Zanjan.
Iran retaliates against US allies
Jordan reported incoming missiles for the second consecutive day, with no casualties. Kuwait accused Iran of a strike that hit a building, killing one person. Both strikes are believed to be part of Iranian retaliation against the US attacks.
The renewed strikes came after the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Iran-backed militias in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers. The attacks reignited the armed conflict and extinguished hopes that diplomacy would be given space.
Peace efforts continue despite renewed fighting
Mediators insisted talks were continuing despite the renewed exchange of strikes. Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said they were doing their 'utmost to bring all parties back' to the negotiating table.
Before the latest eruption, mediators had expressed optimism about bringing the US and Iran back to negotiations. An interim agreement collapsed in recent weeks over renewed fighting in the Strait of Hormuz.
Egypt hit for first time
Drone strikes led to fires on two natural gas vessels at the Egyptian gas import hub at Damietta port, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The Egyptian government confirmed a drone attack ignited the blaze, but it was not immediately clear who was responsible. No injuries were reported and the port remained operational. It was the first time Egypt has been attacked since the Iran war started in late February. Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen denied responsibility.
Asked if Iran was behind the strikes on the gas vessels, Trump responded: 'It’s a little more of the same.' He added: 'In the meantime, we’re going to be hitting them very hard because it’s our turn to hit them.'
Analysts warn of uncharted territory
Analysts said the flare-ups on multiple fronts after several days of relative calm had pushed the region into 'uncharted territory'. They underscored the difficulty of winding down a five-month conflict that has jolted the world economy.
The fighting also likely raised concerns that the US is further drawing down its already diminished stockpiles of sophisticated munitions. The renewed hostilities sent oil prices spiking, with Brent crude jumping 7.3% to more than $88 a barrel.
