US Strikes Iranian Targets Near Tehran Amid Escalation; Iran Fires Missiles at Jordan and Gulf States

The United States military conducted its fifth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets, marking the first time in the current escalation that attacks reached the Tehran area. The US targeted command centers, air defense systems, missile sites, drones, and coastal surveillance facilities in multiple locations, including Bandar Abbas, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran launched missiles at Gulf countries and Jordan. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have downed an American MQ-9 drone in Khuzestan province and reported attacks on early warning radar at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan. Jordan announced it intercepted eight Iranian missiles aimed at its territory, while Bahrain sounded air raid sirens overnight.

Amid the military exchanges, Iran took a confidence-building step by releasing an American citizen detained since December 2024. US President Donald Trump confirmed her safe release outside Iran, praising the gesture as goodwill and criticizing the Biden administration for her initial detention.

The escalation includes Iranian claims of damage to a fishmeal factory near Qeshm Island and airstrikes on Semnan Airport. Iranian officials declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until its management aligns with Iranian demands, demanding US compliance with a memorandum of understanding and cessation of hostilities.

Trump, who previously threatened to target Iranian power stations and bridges if negotiations failed, stated in a Fox News interview that Iran wants to meet and negotiate, expressing cautious optimism about a potential agreement. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the conflict as an existential war requiring readiness for combat and diplomacy.

US officials told Reuters the recent strikes serve as preparatory actions to weaken Iran’s defenses ahead of possible intensified operations, providing Trump with more options. Trump also reiterated his willingness to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal, if Iran’s defenses are sufficiently degraded, despite the high risks involved.

Iranian propaganda released a video threatening Trump’s life, illustrating detailed security arrangements. The ongoing military and diplomatic developments underscore the volatile situation in the region and the complex interplay between confrontation and negotiation.