The U.S. military initiated airstrikes on Sunday targeting Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for the killing of American troops in Jordan. This marks a further escalation in hostilities between the nations as an interim deal seeking an end to their conflict has dissolved.
These strikes are a continuation of a weeklong campaign that started with confrontations over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has hit U.S.-allied countries in the Middle East, prompting American attacks on several Iranian targets, including bridges and electrical facilities. In response, Tehran struck power and desalination plants in Kuwait, disrupting daily life.
The U.S. military reported targeting Iranian military coastal surveillance, air defense facilities, maritime capabilities, and missile sites. The aim was to weaken Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and penalize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces, a significant power center in Iran that manages its missile arsenal.
Footage from the U.S. military showcased strikes executed by fighter jets and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The targeted sites included mountainous regions where the Guard often stores missiles and military gear. Despite a lack of detailed information from Iran on its losses, it remains a key area of contention as the conflict persists into its eighth day.
“An Iranian attack on a base in Jordan resulted in the death of two American service members, with one missing and four others hospitalized,” the U.S. military noted.
Since the conflict began, 16 U.S. service members have died, and over 430 have been injured. Iranian authorities claimed at least 50 fatalities and more than 500 injuries from recent U.S. strikes.
Meanwhile, tensions rose with almost every U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state experiencing Iranian retaliatory strikes. The UAE has not yet been targeted, but facing threats, its Foreign Ministry urged restraint to prevent further violence and instability. It emphasized that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law.
Reports indicate the UAE and Saudi Arabia retaliated against Iran for targeting their territories. Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, accused Iran of war crimes related to strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict. The U.S. conducts attacks targeting Iran’s power stations and bridges to reduce Tehran’s influence over the strait. The U.S. recently reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports to restrict oil shipments, redirecting and disabling several ships in the process.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei threatened severe consequences if U.S. aggressions continue. Stating the suspension of commitments to the interim deal aimed at ending hostilities, Iran’s joint military command warned of a fierce response to U.S. actions.
Contributions to the report by Sam Metz in Ramallah, the West Bank.