WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, escalating a five-month-long conflict that continues to spread across the Middle East after Iran targeted American forces and energy infrastructure linked to the US.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began striking Iranian targets at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. PKT).
“The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday’s attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
The latest US operation came hours after President Donald Trump vowed a forceful response to Iran’s attacks on American troops.
“So it’s our turn,” Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that the United States would “hit them very hard” while maintaining that Washington remained committed to pursuing a peace agreement with Tehran.
Iran Targets US Interests
Earlier on Wednesday, a drone struck a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. Meanwhile, US and Saudi forces launched strikes against Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq, while Iran fired missiles at US troops stationed in Jordan.
Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry confirmed that a fire had broken out at the Damietta port but did not mention a drone attack. Responsibility for the incident remains unclear.
Iran also confirmed overnight that it had launched missile attacks against US bases in Jordan and targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran additionally rejected an Omani proposal for joint management of the strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.
Regional Conflict Expands
The latest developments have heightened concerns that more Middle Eastern countries could become directly involved in the conflict.
Last week, the Iran-backed Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, further raising tensions across the region.
The war began in February when the United States and Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign against Iran. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached in June, it collapsed following renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran now claims to control.
Oil Prices Jump
Growing fears over disruptions to energy supplies pushed global oil prices sharply higher.
Brent crude futures surged more than 8% on Wednesday, climbing above $90 per barrel, marking one of the strongest daily gains since the conflict began and reversing much of the decline recorded earlier this week after President Trump temporarily suspended US strikes.
By Reuters
