Bangkok: The U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes against military targets in Iran late Saturday in retaliation for actions by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the deaths of two American soldiers in an Iranian drone and missile attack in Jordan on Friday.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, aimed to cripple Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command (US CENTCOM) reported that targets included surveillance systems, underground weapons depots, logistical infrastructure, and ports in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, as well as the city of Siriq near the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the eighth consecutive night of attacks on Iranian military targets. The Iranian Ministry of Health reported at least 50 deaths and more than 500 injuries due to U.S. attacks over the past three weeks.
The latest wave of U.S. attacks comes in response to Iran's missile and drone strikes on U.S. military bases in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and the disappearance of another. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a total of 16 American casualties and more than 420 soldiers injured. In addition to its actions in Jordan, Iran has expanded its targets to U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, with air defenses reportedly thwarting attacks in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Power plants and oil refineries in Kuwait also sustained damage.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, stated through state media that the temporary ceasefire signed last month was worthless, warning that the "opposition" alliance was preparing an unforgettable lesson for the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth praised the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and emphasized that the incident would strengthen U.S. resolve. The U.S. State Department has issued a global travel advisory, urging American citizens to exercise extreme caution due to the risk of unforeseen escalation in the Middle East, which could lead to flight cancellations or airspace closures.