Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jul 30: The United States on Thursday resumed air strikes on targets inside Iran, ending a brief pause in military operations, after accusing Tehran of attempting a ballistic missile attack on American forces stationed in the Middle East.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces launched the strikes at 8.00 pm ET (5.30 am IST), describing the operation as a direct response to Iran's attempted missile attack on US troops.
"US forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 pm ET today. The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East," CENTCOM said in a post on X.
Soon after the strikes began, Iranian media reported multiple explosions in the country's southern region. According to Tasnim News Agency, three explosions were heard on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, while a missile reportedly struck a residential area. Explosions were also reported in Bushehr and several other locations, though there was no official confirmation regarding casualties or damage.
The latest strikes came days after Iran allegedly launched several ballistic missiles towards a US military base in Jordan. CENTCOM said all incoming missiles were intercepted, preventing casualties and damage. Reports said the missiles targeted an American military installation in Jordan.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for firing ballistic missiles at a US air base and another military facility in Jordan. The attempted attack marked Iran's first direct ballistic missile strike on a US military installation since Washington temporarily paused its bombing campaign to allow diplomatic efforts.
US President Donald Trump vowed a strong response to the attack.
"So it's our turn. We're going to hit them very hard," Trump told reporters at the White House, while adding that the US remained open to a diplomatic solution if negotiations succeeded.
Earlier this week, Trump had said the two sides were engaged in "good talks" and suggested there was still a possibility of reaching an agreement, warning that military operations would resume if diplomacy failed.
The renewed offensive follows a temporary suspension of US military operations last week, when Washington said it was assessing the battlefield situation while giving diplomacy an opportunity.
The escalation also comes after Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where Iran figured prominently in discussions. The White House described the talks as "positive and productive".
Meanwhile, tensions have widened across the region. Earlier this week, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out coordinated strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq following a series of drone attacks targeting US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.
According to CENTCOM, the joint operation targeted logistics hubs and weapons facilities used by Iran-backed groups after more than 30 drone attacks over three days. The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) claimed that at least 20 people were killed in the strikes.
The latest exchange of attacks has further heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict despite ongoing indirect diplomatic efforts through regional mediators.