The United States military launched powerful strikes on Iran early Thursday, July 30, 2026, in retaliation for recent Iranian attacks targeting US forces in the Middle East. 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 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).

These strikes followed a series of escalating exchanges between Washington and Tehran, after a two-day pause in hostilities earlier in the week. US President Donald Trump had promised to hit Iran "very hard," declaring it was "our turn" to respond.

The conflict has expanded beyond Iran, with Saudi Arabia and the United States launching joint strikes on Iran-aligned militant bases in eastern Iraq on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (also known as Hashed al-Shaabi), powerful Iran-backed paramilitary groups integrated into Iraqi security forces, reported at least 20 members killed and 32 wounded in these strikes. Two officials from Hashed al-Shaabi said five Iranian advisors were among the dead.

Meanwhile, Jordan's army intercepted five Iranian missiles targeting US bases, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards claiming responsibility. CENTCOM noted that Jordan's US bases have recently become primary Iranian targets, with three US service members killed so far in July, marking the worst losses since March.

Saudi Arabia's defense minister met with US Vice-President JD Vance following the joint attacks, urging the US not to escalate the conflict further by attacking Yemen's Houthis or conducting additional strikes in Iraq.

Iran's state television reported a US strike near the Piranshahr border area, with no casualties reported. The ongoing hostilities threaten to engulf the Middle East in a wider conflict, involving multiple countries and proxies.

Sources