US strikes Iran's Revolutionary Guard over attack that killed troops in Jordan
US strikes Iran's Revolutionary Guard over attack that killed troops in Jordan
US strikes Iran's Revolutionary Guard over attack that killed troops in Jordan
The US military has launched airstrikes on Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, targeting coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, in retaliation for the killing of American troops in Jordan. The strikes, which occurred on Sunday, are part of a week-long campaign that has seen Iran strike US-allied countries across the Middle East.
The US Central Command said in a statement that it hit "Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, maritime capabilities and missile and drone storage sites". The operation was aimed at degrading Iran's ability to interfere with commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The latest US strikes follow a deadly attack on American troops in Jordan, which killed two US service members and injured several others. The attack, which occurred on Friday, was carried out by Iranian forces using drones and missiles. One US service member is currently missing, according to US Central Command.
The US death toll in the conflict has now risen to 16, with the latest incident marking the second increase in the toll this week. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the deaths with a post on social media, saying "Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve".
The conflict between the US and Iran has been escalating in recent days, with both sides accused of striking critical infrastructure. Iran has suspended its temporary agreement with the US, accusing Washington of violating its commitments. The agreement, which was reached around four weeks ago, has unravelled, with President Donald Trump declaring it "over" on 8 July.
Regional tensions continue to spread, with reported strikes in Kuwait, interceptions in Iraq and Jordan, and air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain and parts of Saudi Arabia. Iranian strikes have hit an oil facility and a desalination plant in Kuwait, forcing power generation units offline and prompting authorities to temporarily close the country's airspace.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Tehran would no longer adhere to the temporary agreement, accusing Washington of violating its commitments. Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Iran would deliver "unforgettable lessons" and dismissed US President Donald Trump's commitments as "worthless and invalid".
The US has issued a global travel advisory, warning citizens about heightened security risks linked to Iran-backed armed groups across the region. The conflict has also led to damage to desalination plants, transport infrastructure, and bridges near Bandar Abbas, with Tehran saying that recent US strikes have killed at least 50 people and injured more than 500.
