The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that American forces carried out a large wave of strikes against Iran, targeting dozens of military sites in response to what it described as Iran’s attempted missile attacks on US forces.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said the operation targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes reportedly hit military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defence installations, and maritime capabilities.
According to CENTCOM, the operation was intended to reduce threats posed by Iran and its allied groups to US forces, commercial shipping, and neighbouring Gulf countries. The military said the strikes were carried out after Iran allegedly attempted to attack American personnel stationed in the Middle East.
US officials stated that on July 28, the IRGC launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in what they described as a surprise attack on US forces in the region. CENTCOM said all of the incoming missiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.
The US military added that more than 50,000 American service members remain deployed across the Middle East and are on high alert as tensions continue to rise. Officials said US forces remain prepared to respond to any further threats.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta after a US-owned gas storage tanker was struck. British maritime security firm Ambrey said its initial assessment indicated the vessel had been hit by a drone. Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry confirmed the fire but did not comment on the reported cause, and responsibility for the incident has not been established.
The latest developments follow US strikes inside Iran earlier this week after President Donald Trump pledged to respond to attacks on American troops. Iran has said it launched missiles at US bases in Jordan and targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has also rejected an Omani proposal for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which began in February, has continued after a temporary ceasefire in June collapsed, leading to renewed fighting and heightened tensions across the region.
Also read: CENTCOM Confirms Airstrikes on Iranian Targets in Iran
