Washington: The United States carried out one of its biggest military operations against Iran in recent years after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan, sharply raising tensions across the Middle East and increasing fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
The strikes came after Iran fired several ballistic missiles toward an American military installation in Jordan. According to US officials, Jordan's air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles before they could reach the base, preventing casualties among American personnel. The attack marked the latest escalation in a confrontation that has steadily intensified in recent weeks despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
In response, the United States Central Command launched a large scale military operation lasting about two hours. American officials said dozens of targets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were struck across southern Iran. The targets reportedly included missile launch sites, military command centres, drone facilities, coastal defence positions and other strategic military infrastructure used by the Revolutionary Guard.
The Pentagon said the operation was designed to weaken Iran's ability to launch future attacks against American forces and regional allies while also protecting international shipping routes through the Gulf. Officials described the strikes as a direct response to the missile attack on the US base and stressed that Washington would continue to defend its personnel wherever they are stationed.
Iranian state media confirmed that several locations, including areas near Qeshm Island close to the Strait of Hormuz, had been hit during the operation. Authorities reported that at least three people were killed and several military installations suffered damage. Emergency teams were deployed to the affected areas as officials assessed the impact of the strikes.
Iran strongly condemned the American military action, accusing Washington of violating international law and expanding the conflict. Iranian leaders warned that the country reserved the right to respond but did not immediately announce any new military action following the US operation.
The latest developments have once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of global attention. The narrow waterway is one of the world's most important energy routes, with nearly one fifth of global oil supplies passing through it every day. Any disruption in the area has the potential to affect international energy markets and global trade.
Although concerns over possible supply disruptions pushed oil prices higher immediately after news of the strikes emerged, prices later eased as traders noted that oil production facilities and commercial shipping had not been directly targeted. Shipping companies, however, remain on high alert as military activity continues in and around the Gulf.
The conflict has also affected neighbouring countries. Jordan confirmed that it intercepted Iranian missiles that entered its airspace during the attack on the US base. Regional governments have continued to monitor the situation closely, fearing that further exchanges between Washington and Tehran could draw more countries into the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation have so far made little progress. Attempts by regional mediators, including Oman, to restart negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough. Officials familiar with the talks said Iran rejected the latest proposals aimed at easing tensions, leaving few immediate prospects for renewed dialogue.
The latest military exchange represents one of the most serious confrontations between the United States and Iran in recent years. Analysts say both countries appear determined to demonstrate strength while trying to avoid a full scale regional war. However, they warn that any further attack on American forces or any additional US military response could quickly trigger another round of escalation.
The international community is watching developments with growing concern as governments urge both sides to exercise restraint. While no further military action had been reported immediately after the US strikes, the situation remains highly volatile. Security analysts believe the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic channels can be revived or whether the Middle East will move closer to a broader and more dangerous conflict.