On Thursday, July 30, 2026, the United States military launched "powerful" strikes against Iran in response to Tehran's recent missile attacks targeting US bases in Jordan. The strikes marked the resumption of hostilities after nearly a week of relative calm, dashing hopes for renewed negotiations in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack began at 3:30 a.m. local time in Iran and lasted for two hours. CENTCOM stated that the strikes targeted dozens of military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Earlier, Jordan's army reported intercepting five Iranian missiles, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards claiming responsibility for targeting US bases there. The conflict has expanded to include coordinated US and Saudi strikes on militant bases in eastern Iraq, targeting Iran-aligned groups in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi alliance, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, reported at least 20 of its members killed in these strikes, including five Iranian advisors.

Saudi Arabia's defense minister met with US Vice-President JD Vance following the joint attacks, urging restraint to avoid further escalation, particularly concerning potential strikes against Yemen's Houthis or additional operations in Iraq.

US President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, vowed to hit Iran "very hard," stating, "it's our turn to hit them," after a series of escalating exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, has now lasted over five months with no resolution in sight.

Iran's state television reported a US strike in the Piranshahr border area, with no casualties reported. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has faced drone attacks on its crude facilities over the past two days, which it attributes to Iraqi armed groups allied with Tehran.

The renewed US bombardment and regional strikes have intensified the conflict, involving multiple countries and Iran-backed proxies, and have significantly diminished prospects for diplomatic resolution.

Sources