🇺🇸 U.S. FORCES STRIKE IRGC TARGETS IN IRAN: CENTCOM announced that U.S. forces began striking IRGC targets at 12:00 PM ET, saying the operation followed recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and American personnel in the region. Explosions were reported across southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm, Chabahar, Konarak, Jask, Minab and Asaluyeh, while Jiroft Airport in Kerman province was also targeted. Specific targets, damage and the overall scale or duration of the operation have not been disclosed.
🛰️ STRIKES FOLLOW LIMITED HORMUZ-FOCUSED STRATEGY: Axios reported that the operation reflects the limited-strike approach President Trump and senior advisers had been considering around the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at preventing Iran from rebuilding radar, missile and other capabilities that could threaten tankers, U.S. ships and aircraft. The administration has now moved from threatened retaliation to direct military action, while the initial U.S. framing remains centered on Iranian capabilities threatening shipping and American forces rather than unrestricted strikes across Iran.
⚠️ TRUMP WARNS OF BROADER ATTACKS IF IRAN RETALIATES: Trump said the strikes were retaliation for Iran's attempted placement of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and its launch of eight missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan, which he said were all intercepted. He warned that any Iranian retaliation would bring a "much harder and higher level" response and said an even larger attack remained "waiting in the wings." Trump separately said the U.S. had waited for Iran to nearly rebuild radar capabilities before striking them.
🚀 IRAN THREATENS U.S. BASES AND HORMUZ CLOSURE: Senior Iranian military sources quoted by Tasnim said Iran would respond several times more forcefully and that American bases and interests in the region would come under Iranian fire. The IRGC warned that "harsh punishment awaits the aggressors" and said U.S. attacks would lead to a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Fars News Agency subsequently reported Iranian missile and drone launches toward what it described as "enemy positions."
🛡️ REGIONAL SECURITY ALERTS EXPAND: U.S. embassies in Israel, Qatar and Iraq urged Americans across the region to exercise heightened vigilance. The U.S. Embassy in the UAE separately warned of possible flight disruptions and other security risks amid the regional situation.
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