US launches ‘heavy wave’ of strikes on Iran after pause in attacks

The United States has initiated a substantial retaliatory strike campaign against Iran, focusing on targets associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This action follows a series of Iranian attacks on American military installations in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command reported that the strikes hit numerous Iranian targets. These included military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime assets. The stated aim of these operations is to degrade the threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, international shipping, and regional Gulf nations.

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The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighbouring Gulf countries.

While U.S. officials described the operation as a "heavy wave," there was no immediate indication that critical civilian infrastructure, such as bridges, was targeted, suggesting the campaign has not significantly expanded its scope. President Donald Trump, speaking earlier in the day, signaled a strong response, stating, "We're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them."

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We’re going to be hitting them very hard because it’s our turn to hit them.

The exchange of strikes had paused briefly late last week, ostensibly to facilitate diplomatic talks. However, this lull ended Tuesday night when Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on an American military base in Jordan. U.S. officials confirmed all incoming missiles were intercepted, but the assault caused oil prices to surge amid fears of a return to full-scale conflict.

The resumption of hostilities occurred shortly after Trump had suggested progress in discussions between Washington and Tehran. The conflict appears to be expanding, with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia also striking Iran-backed militias in Iraq on Tuesday. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen continue to attack vessels in the Red Sea. Fires aboard two liquefied natural gas vessels at Egypt's Damietta port, attributed to drone strikes, mark a potential new front in the regional conflict.

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They know what’s coming. They’re asking us not to do it.