US military launches 'powerful' retaliatory strikes on Iran
The United States military has launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets following attacks on US bases in Jordan. The escalation marks a significant intensification of regional tensions, complicating hopes for diplomatic negotiations.
Why it matters
This development signals a major escalation in Middle Eastern conflict, with potential implications for global oil markets and international security.
TEHRAN - The United States military launched "powerful" strikes on Iran on Thursday, in retaliation for Tehran's attacks targeting US bases in Jordan as the Middle East war reignited and again drew in the Islamic republic's proxies.
The first strikes after a nearly week-long lull in fighting dashed hopes of a return to negotiations.
"The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East", US Central Command said.
Saudi Arabia and the United States also announced strikes Wednesday on militant bases in Iraq, while US ally Israel accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of a truce violation.
For two days, the world's biggest oil exporter Saudi Arabia has reported drone attacks targeting crude facilities that it blamed on Iraqi armed groups allied with Tehran.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in