US launches fresh strikes against Iran following 'attacks' on American forces
Washington, July 30
The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran in retaliation for what American officials described as an attempted Iranian attack on US forces in the Middle East, marking another sharp escalation in the months-long conflict.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation began at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.
"US 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 US forces based in the Middle East," CENTCOM said in a statement.
The strikes came less than 24 hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting US military positions in Jordan, an attack that US officials said was thwarted by air defences. President Donald Trump had earlier vowed a forceful response, saying the United States would hit Iran "very hard" following the attempted attack.
CENTCOM did not immediately disclose the locations or scope of the latest strikes inside Iran.
Reports from Iranian state media, however, said explosions were heard in several southern provinces, including Hormozgan and Khuzestan, with strikes reported near oil infrastructure and on islands in the Persian Gulf. Iranian officials also reported damage to residential areas in Qeshm Island, where rescue workers were searching for people trapped beneath rubble.
The latest operation ended a brief lull in direct American strikes against Iran and signalled that diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict have again given way to military action.
The retaliation followed Iran's missile barrage against US positions in Jordan, which American military officials said had been intercepted before causing damage. Tehran had said it carried out the attack in response to what it described as "aggressive actions by the US military."
Separately, CENTCOM said it continues to tighten maritime pressure on Iran through its naval blockade.
"CENTCOM forces continue to strictly enforce the US blockade against Iran. As of July 29, CENTCOM has redirected 20 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2," the command said in another statement.
The maritime measures underscore Washington's broader strategy of combining military operations with economic and naval pressure against Tehran.
— IANS
Reader Comments
America has bombed so many countries over the years—Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, now Iran—and people still call them peacekeepers? 😒 Meanwhile, innocent civilians in Iran are dying under rubble. India should stay out of this proxy war and focus on our own stability. We have enough problems with inflation and unemployment.
I understand why the US retaliates—you can't let a country attack your forces and get away with it. But this endless cycle of strikes and counter-strikes isn't peaceful. India has always advocated for dialogue over violence. PM Modi should use his good relations with both sides to call for calm before this becomes a major war.
As a retired army man, I can tell you that both sides are making huge mistakes. The US naval blockade is collective punishment that hurts Iranian civilians, not just the government. And Iran's missile attacks are reckless. India should leverage its ties with both the US and Iran to push for a ceasefire. Our diaspora there is at risk too.
I just feel for the ordinary people caught in the middle. 😢 Imagine living in Hormozgan or Khuzestan and hearing explosions. These are families like ours who just want peace. Warmongers never care about the collateral damage. India should raise this at the UN—we can't stay silent when civilians suffer.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.