Middle East on Edge as U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran, Missiles Fired at American Bases

The confrontation between the United States and Iran escalated further overnight Wednesday, as both sides carried out a series of reciprocal strikes that triggered unusual tensions across the Middle East. The events began after the U.S. military announced at midnight the start of an operation targeting Iranian sites. According to American officials, the strikes focused on targets in southern Iran and included air defense systems, radar installations, communications facilities, command and control centers, and units linked to operating drones. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) later said several waves of strikes had been completed against targets across Iran using precision munitions. President Donald Trump revealed that at least 49 Tomahawk missiles were launched at Iranian targets during the operation. According to reports in Iran, explosions were heard at several locations in the south of the country, including the port areas of Khoramgan, Asaluyeh and other areas near the Persian Gulf.

Iran responds: Shortly after the start of the American strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had begun retaliation against American targets in the Middle East. According to statements published in Tehran, American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and other countries in the region were hit. The Revolutionary Guard later said it had fired 12 ballistic missiles at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, which is also used by American forces. The Iranians also claimed to have struck 18 different targets at American bases across the Gulf. In response to the Iranian attacks, air defense systems were activated in several countries in the region. Sirens were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait, and the Kuwaiti authorities also announced the closure of airspace as a precaution. At the same time, reports emerged of aerial threats over the Gulf and increased activity by American and allied interception systems.

Strait of Hormuz in focus, One of the most dramatic steps by Iran came when the operational headquarters of the Iranian armed forces declared that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to all types of vessels. Tehran said any ship attempting to pass through the strait could become a target. Iranian media later reported attacks carried out against American vessels in the area, as well as against two ships that, according to them, tried to cross the strait after the announcement. By contrast, the U.S. military said the international shipping lane remained open and that maritime traffic in the area continued as usual. After the strikes, the American president said that if Iran did not move toward an agreement, the United States would continue applying military pressure on it. "The options for additional strikes are still on the table," Trump said.