US claims to strike dozens of IRGC targets in Iran; alleges Iran attempted missile strikes
Florida, July 30
US Central Command forces have claimed to carry out a "heavy wave of strikes" against dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran on Wednesday, calling the action a response to attempted Iranian missile strikes on US forces in West Asia.
The strikes, completed at 10 p.m. ET on July 29 (Wednesday), targeted IRGC military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defence sites, and maritime capabilities, according to a CENTCOM press release.
The strikes aimed to "further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries," CENTCOM said.
CENTCOM said that the US action came a day after IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an "attempted surprise attack" on US forces based in West Asia.
"All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted," CENTCOM said.
Earlier, in a post on X, CENTCOM said, "U.S. forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 p.m. ET today. The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East."
CENTCOM also said that more than 50,000 US service members are currently deployed to West Asia and "remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."
The development comes as US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his threat of military action against Iran, stating that Washington plans to strike Tehran "very hard" and asserting that "it's our turn to hit them."
When asked during an Oval Office appearance about an earlier blast at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta, Trump confirmed that he had received a briefing on the incident, adding that "it's going to be straightened out."
Directing further warnings at Tehran, the US President declared, "They know it's coming."
Trump further noted the possibility of future diplomacy, saying, "We'll see if we get there with an agreement at some point," prior to reiterating his warning of kinetic action.
The US President's sharp rhetoric came in the immediate aftermath of an explosion on Wednesday that rocked a US-owned and operated liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel at Egypt's Damietta Port following a drone strike, raising fears that the West Asia conflict is spilling over into critical energy hubs beyond its traditional Gulf theatre.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What about our Chabahar port investment? This conflict between US and Iran is going to complicate things for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. We have billions in infrastructure projects at stake. The Gulf is practically our backyard - 8 million Indians live and work there!
As an American citizen who respects India's non-alignment, I find this confusing. Trump says 'they know it's coming' one day, then talks about diplomacy the next. The US needs a clear strategy, not just muscle-flexing. India understands this better than anyone - you've dealt with cross-border tensions for decades.
Oil prices are going to skyrocket. Our fuel prices are already through the roof, and the rupee is under pressure. ₹500 for a litre of petrol in some places soon? This is why India needs to accelerate renewable energy and build strategic petroleum reserves. Dependence on Gulf oil is a national security risk.
The US claims interception of all missiles - but CENTCOM says 'more than 50,000 US service members' are deployed. That's massive. India should watch carefully how Iran responds. We've maintained good ties with Tehran historically. Hope our diplomatic channels stay open regardless of what happens.
The LNG vessel attack at Damietta port is worrying. Egypt is literally the gateway between Asia and Europe. If energy infrastructure becomes a target, global supply chains - including our crude imports - will be disrupted. India should start contingency planning for evacuation of citizens from Gulf nations. 🚢🔥
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