US Military Completes Extensive Strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Targets Amid Rising Tensions

The United States military announced on Thursday morning the completion of a broad wave of strikes targeting dozens of Iranian Revolutionary Guard sites. These attacks were carried out using assets from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the region. The strikes follow President Donald Trump's vow that Iran would pay a heavy price for its surprise attack on American bases in the area.

Iranian news agency Tasnim reported early Thursday on three explosions heard on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, along with additional blasts near Bushehr. Iranian sources claimed missiles struck residential areas on Qeshm, though details on the extent of damage remain unclear.

This escalation comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran in recent days. President Trump had promised a strong US response following a nighttime surprise attack targeting American bases in Jordan, despite ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Oman. In a White House briefing, Trump stated, "We are going to hit them very hard," and also referenced an unusual incident at Egypt's Damietta gas terminal, where a US liquefied gas carrier suffered a partial explosion. While Egyptian officials attributed the event to a technical malfunction, Trump confirmed it was an Iranian attack.

The president's stern remarks triggered significant international market reactions, with global oil prices surging nearly 8 percent shortly after the interview, reaching $90.40 per barrel compared to about $83 twelve hours earlier. Israeli security officials warn of a rapid deterioration in regional security, with a senior defense source noting, "As it looks now, the path to escalation with Iran is close." These warnings come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds key meetings in Washington aimed at strengthening strategic and security coordination between Jerusalem and Washington.

A senior diplomatic official disclosed to reporters that intelligence communities are certain that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's Supreme Leader and designated successor, is still alive. Additionally, alarming data was presented indicating that Iran currently possesses an arsenal of approximately 1,500 ballistic missiles ready for use.