US Military Launches New Daylight Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

The US military announced on Wednesday afternoon the start of a new wave of strikes against Iran, aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities used in recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The timing of these strikes during daylight hours marks a departure from previous US operations, which were typically conducted at night in the Middle East time zone.

The renewed US naval blockade on Iranian ports took effect at 11:00 PM Tuesday, following President Donald Trump's announcement two days earlier. Trump threatened to target Iranian power stations and bridges and did not rule out a limited ground operation, even suggesting the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, a key oil export hub. In a Fox News interview, Trump said, "If I thought it was appropriate, I would act accordingly," and hinted that other actors might carry out ground operations on behalf of the US.

Trump revealed that US forces had struck Kharg Island multiple times but were ordered to avoid damaging oil facilities to prevent disruption to the global economy. While damage to oil infrastructure remains a possibility, he described it as unlikely at this stage. He warned that if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, Washington will escalate attacks on bridges and power plants next week. Trump emphasized that US strikes would continue "until I say it's enough," noting Iran still has some capacity to fight but not much.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that seven hours of overnight strikes targeted dozens of military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas. Precision munitions were used against missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems to further diminish Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper accused Iran of deliberately attacking civilians by targeting seven commercial ships last week, causing nearly a dozen civilian casualties, and launching dozens of missiles and drones at Gulf states.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched their own missile and drone attacks against Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, warning that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until US hostile actions cease. They claimed US military actions had blocked regional oil and gas exports, prompting their retaliatory strikes, including attacks on US Fifth Fleet fuel tankers in Bahrain.

Satellite imagery released by Soar Atlas revealed damage to US military bases in Bahrain and Qatar from recent Iranian strikes, including drone maintenance facilities and strategic air force bases. Additional images showed damage to Jordanian airbases used by US forces. Conversely, new high-resolution images also documented the destruction of at least six buildings at the Revolutionary Guards' naval base in Jask, Iran, from recent US strikes. These visuals provide clearer evidence of the escalating tit-for-tat military exchanges in the Gulf region.