US Resumes Strikes on Iran; State Media Reports Aftershocks


U.S. forces launched a fresh offensive against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz last Tuesday, citing recent hostile acts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against commercial shipping and U.S. naval units. The Central Command confirmed that the strikes began at 12:00 ET (16:00 GMT), precisely targeting IRGC assets that had allegedly tried to disrupt maritime traffic in the region.


In response, Iranian state media released footage of several explosions heard on Qeshm Island, Konarak, and Bandar Abbas, echoing statements from the country's deputy governor for security that projectiles had hit both Chabahar and Konarak counties. The Iranian government, through its semi-official Tasnim news agency, promised severe punishment for the U.S. and warned of additional retaliatory measures if further attacks were launched.


President Donald Trump, speaking to the press, underscored the “large and powerful” nature of the U.S. strikes and cited the eight missiles fired by Iran toward a U.S. military base in Jordan as a catalyst for the operation. Trump also warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with a “much harder and higher level” response, claiming it would be a decisive blow in the Gulf conflict.


The U.S. strike marks a intensification of tensions since the first known American strikes on Iranian ground forces in late July, when U.S. troops attacked two rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington’s current campaign signals a hardening of strategy amid diplomatic strides to contain Iran’s influence in the Gulf.


Byline: Joe Coughlan



Vessels seen across the Strait of Hormuz from Oman
Vessels were visible across the Strait of Hormuz from Oman this week.


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