Breaking news. US launches fresh strikes on ‘multiple targets’ in Iran after Trump vows to hit ‘hard’
US Strikes Iranian Targets as Trump Warns of Stronger Action
news US launches fresh strikes on multiple - The United States has escalated tensions with Iran by conducting airstrikes on several locations within the country, as reported by US Central Command (CENTCOM). These strikes occurred late on Thursday, following remarks from President Donald Trump that signaled an intent to impose significant pressure on Iran. Trump's warning came as the US and Iran continued to clash in the Strait of Hormuz, with naval skirmishes reported earlier in the day. The attacks are part of a broader effort to respond to what CENTCOM described as Iran’s “unwarranted and continued aggression.”
Iranian Response and Regional Clashes
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in western Tehran, as well as on Kish Island in the Strait of Hormuz and in the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm, and Minab. Defences were reportedly activated in Fars province, indicating a coordinated response to the US strikes. In parallel, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) units engaged in confrontations with US forces in the strait, according to Mehr, a semi-official news agency of the Iranian regime. These incidents mark a return to direct military engagement between the two nations after a ceasefire that took effect in April.
“The bully of the Middle East is dead! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s vow to “hit hard” was framed as a response to Iran’s perceived delays in peace talks. Earlier on Wednesday, he had stated that Tehran was “having to pay the price” for its slow progress in negotiations, calling the situation a “zero-sum game.” His comments were delivered in Washington, where he emphasized that the stalled talks had left the US “very close to a deal” but frustrated by Iran’s tactics. “They keep tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers,” he added, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the Iranian delegation’s approach.
Targeting Infrastructure and Strategic Locations
As the conflict intensifies, Trump hinted at expanding the scope of US attacks. During a phone interview with Fox News, he suggested that Iran’s power plants and bridges might become the next targets if peace talks fail. “I may keep going,” he was quoted as saying, “they had a chance to sign a deal and survive.” This remark aligns with his broader strategy of using military force to compel Iran into concessions, a tactic that has been a recurring theme in his administration’s approach to the region.
The recent strikes followed a series of escalating actions between the US and Iran. Earlier in the week, the two sides exchanged fire, disrupting a fragile ceasefire. Trump’s social media post, which declared the Iranian military “completely defeated,” highlighted the strategic advantage the US claimed in the region. He praised the ongoing blockade of Iranian shipping, calling it “the most successful” in history and likening it to a “steel wall.” According to Trump, the blockade has effectively stalled Iranian economic activity, including the payment of military wages, while allowing other countries to maintain oil exports.
Iranian Missile Attacks and Regional Repercussions
Amid the aerial confrontations, Iran launched a coordinated missile strike targeting Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The attack followed the downing of a US helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, which intensified hostilities. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating that its forces had fired “long-range missiles” to “target and destroy four major targets” in Jordan. These included F-35 fighter nests at an air base and the US command centre in Al-Azraq, as reported by state-run IRNA news agency.
Jordan responded swiftly, confirming that it had intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles aimed at the town of Azraq. The country’s military stated that the attacks targeted its important historical site, located approximately 100 kilometres from the capital, Amman. A major Jordanian airbase, Muwaffaq Salti, is situated nearby, serving as a critical hub for the Jordanian Air Force’s 1st, 2nd, and 6th Fighter Squadrons. “We intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards Azraq. The interception resulted in debris falling, but there were no casualties or material damage,” the Jordanian Armed Forces said in a statement.
“We’re not afraid of fighting losers (and) we’ll see what happens,” Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran parliament’s National Security committee, said on X before the strikes began.
Iran’s missile attacks also coincided with its broader military campaign in the region. The strikes on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait were part of a tit-for-tat exchange of force, with each country retaliating against the other’s actions. The Iranian military claimed its attacks had inflicted significant damage, but Jordan asserted that its defences had neutralized the threat. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military confirmed that its air defences were engaged against “hostile aerial targets,” though it did not immediately name the aggressor. This ambiguity reflects the complex dynamics of the conflict, where multiple actors are involved in both direct and indirect confrontations.
Historical Context and Strategic Implications
The US has long used Jordanian airbases to support operations in the Middle East, including strikes against the Islamic State group during the Syrian war. Muwaffaq Salti, in particular, has been a strategic asset for NATO allies, facilitating logistical and military coordination. The current clashes, however, have shifted focus to Iran’s own capabilities and intentions. Jordan’s Petra news agency reported that explosives experts had examined the debris from intercepted missiles, finding no injuries among its personnel. This detail underscores the precision and coordination of Iran’s military response, even as it faces US retaliation.
The series of strikes and counterstrikes has reignited concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. Trump’s repeated emphasis on military strength suggests a willingness to escalate further, while Iran’s leaders remain defiant, vowing to fight back. Analysts note that the current phase of the conflict could determine whether the ceasefire holds or if the two nations enter a new cycle of hostilities. The stakes are high, with both sides seeking to assert dominance in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
As the situation develops, the impact on civilian populations and international trade remains a key concern. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has already seen increased activity, with both US and Iranian forces vying for control. The blockade of Iranian shipping, which Trump hailed as a success, has disrupted oil exports and raised fears of economic repercussions. However, the US has positioned itself as a stabilizing force, maintaining its commitment to protecting global energy interests.
With peace talks seemingly at a standstill, the US and Iran are locked in a high-stakes battle for influence. Trump’s decision to strike multiple targets in Iran signals a shift from diplomatic efforts to military dominance. The effectiveness of these strikes and the resilience of Iran’s defences will likely shape the future of the conflict, determining whether the US can force a breakthrough or if Iran will continue to retaliate with increasing ferocity.