US Strikes Iranian Targets After Foiled Attack on Base in Jordan
The United States military announced early Thursday that it had completed a series of strikes against Iranian targets, in response to an earlier missile attack on a US base in Jordan. The strikes, described as a 'heavy wave' by US Central Command, targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, including command centres, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance positions.
The operation lasted approximately two hours and came hours after US President Donald Trump stated that the US would respond forcefully to the attack on the base hosting American troops. Iranian state media reported that two people were injured on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz, and explosions were also heard in Khuzestan province.
Separately, drone strikes ignited fires on two natural gas vessels at the Egyptian port of Damietta, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The responsibility for the attacks on a US-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned tanker remained unclear. No injuries were reported.
These incidents, occurring after a period of relative calm, raise concerns about a return to full-scale conflict in a region already affected by five months of hostilities. The conflict has impacted the global economy and drawn down US munitions stockpiles. Egypt, a key US ally and mediator, had previously been spared direct attacks, and any confirmed strike by Iran or its allies would mark a significant escalation.
During a White House event, President Trump commented on the vessel strikes, stating, 'It's a little more of the same,' and added, 'We're going to be hitting them very hard.'
In related developments, Saudi Arabia accused Iraqi militias of launching drones against its oil facilities. An umbrella group of Iraqi militias initially denied the allegations, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi energy facilities. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman met with President Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance on Wednesday.
Before the latest escalation, mediators had expressed hope for renewed talks between the US and Iran. However, an interim agreement collapsed due to renewed fighting in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. A regional official noted that mediators continue efforts to restore calm but face slim prospects as both sides maintain attacks. The official, speaking anonymously, described the situation as 'very bad.'
