Iran Strikes US Bases in Jordan, Bahrain; US Retaliates on Dozens of Targets

Iran reported Tuesday evening that it launched a "decisive" retaliatory strike against American bases in Jordan and Bahrain, as U.S. military strikes against Iran continued. Iranian reports claimed missiles were fired at U.S. bases in Jordan, and a U.S. drone was shot down over Iran. A "large-scale drone attack" was also reported targeting a U.S. base in Bahrain. In Eilat, Israel, explosions were heard as air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Aqaba, Jordan, near the Israeli border. Jordanian authorities sent mobile alerts to residents, warning of potential danger from shrapnel and advising them to seek shelter. Jordan's air defense systems reportedly intercepted missiles in several areas, with air raid sirens activated later in the evening. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stated their target was the Tabthin camp on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. They later updated that 13 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran, with Jordan's air defense intercepting 10 and the remaining three reportedly exploding away from populated areas. U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters that there were no casualties among U.S. forces. The Revolutionary Guard also claimed attacks on U.S. bases in Erbil, Iraq, though Reuters noted these claims lacked official confirmation.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its strikes concluded early Wednesday morning, targeting Revolutionary Guard assets including air defense systems, radar, naval assets, facilities, mine-laying capabilities, and communication sites. CENTCOM stated these strikes were in response to recent Revolutionary Guard attempts to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. soldiers in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, questioning when the Iranian people would rise up and fight back. He expressed indifference to forcing Iran back to negotiations, stating he preferred the current situation with "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's collapsing economy. Explosions were reported across Iran, including in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar, Jiroft, Jask, Sirik, and Minab. Iranian reports claimed four civilians were killed and 50 injured in an attack in Sirik during a wedding. Another attack was reported in Asaluyeh, a major energy hub. U.S. officials told The New York Times that the strikes caused significant damage to military bases and other targets.

In response to the escalating tensions, crude oil prices surged approximately 5% to around $90 per barrel, with Brent crude futures rising about 7% to $94.5. European natural gas prices also saw significant increases. Trump reiterated his threats of severe retaliation if Iran responded, stating they would be "hit very, very hard" and would "no longer be" if they retaliated again. He described Iranians as "crazy and stupid" and claimed the U.S. struck a radar site under construction. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security warning to Americans in the Middle East, advising increased vigilance due to the complex security situation and potential for unpredictable escalation, including flight cancellations and travel disruptions. The embassy noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities globally could be targets. Trump characterized the U.S. strikes as "very limited" and part of his strategy to economically pressure Iran, signaling no intention for a full-scale war. The recent exchange began after a U.S. strike on missile launchers on Qeshm Island, intended to thwart an Iranian mine-laying operation in the Strait of Hormuz.