Iran Strikes Jordan Bases Amid Escalating US Attacks

Tensions escalated Tuesday as Iran announced a retaliatory strike against U.S. targets in the region, coinciding with ongoing American airstrikes on Iranian soil. Iranian reports indicated that missiles were launched towards U.S. bases in Jordan, triggering air raid sirens in the kingdom. Residents in Eilat, Israel, reported seeing a smoke plume rising from the Aqaba area across the border in Jordan. Jerusalem residents also reported observing the launches and interceptions over Jordan. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officially confirmed the start of their response to U.S. attacks, claiming to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Iran. Meanwhile, U.S. strikes continued on multiple locations in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar, Jask, Sirik, and Minab, with explosions reported. Two Iranian sources told The New York Times that a military base in Bandar Abbas and an area near Qeshm Island's airport were among the targets, suffering heavy damage. Iran also reported an attack on Jiruft Airport in Kerman province and later, potentially, on Ahvaz, significantly expanding the U.S. strike range. Iran alleged that one U.S. strike in Sirik hit a wedding ceremony, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries, though this claim has not been verified by the U.S. This latest exchange began after U.S. strikes on Revolutionary Guard targets near the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. Central Command stated were in response to Iranian attempts to target commercial vessels and U.S. soldiers in the area. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned Iran against retaliation, promising a harsher response if attacked, while Iran vowed to target U.S. interests.