The United States carried out a fresh wave of strikes targeting the command-and-control infrastructure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Strikes Hit Near Tehran
According to Reuters, air defence activity was reported in Robat Karim city in Tehran province. Multiple media reports suggested that an IRGC command-and-control centre in the city was among the targets hit in the US operation. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions in the area, and local authorities confirmed heightened security measures.
US Describes Strikes as Self-Defense
The United States described the attacks as "self-defense strikes" against multiple targets across Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defence sites. "US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters," CENTCOM said in a statement.
Explosions Reported Across Iran
Reuters reported that Iranian news agencies recorded explosions in several cities across the country, including Sirik, Kargan, Bandar Abbas and Minab in the southern province of Hormozgan. Strikes were also reported in Varamin and Karaj near Tehran. The attacks came a day after the US launched another round of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure after Washington accused Tehran of downing a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Warns Iran
Following Wednesday's strikes, US President Donald Trump warned Iran in a social media post, saying: "Iran is all talk and no action. They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!" The warning was seen as a signal that further military action could be possible if Iran does not comply with US demands.
The escalation has raised concerns about a broader conflict in the region, with international observers calling for restraint. Iran has not yet officially responded to the latest strikes, but state media have condemned the US actions as a violation of sovereignty.
