Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. airbase in Jordan on Tuesday, with Jordanian forces intercepting four missiles, according to multiple reports. The attack escalated tensions as the U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. airbase in Jordan on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Jordan’s armed forces intercepted four missiles that entered the kingdom’s airspace, according to state media. The IRGC stated its target was U.S. military facilities, not Jordanian civilians, and urged Jordanians to demand the removal of American bases. Our target is not the people of Jordan, but the American military bases,
the group said in a statement carried by Iran’s Fars News Agency.
U.S. Strikes Escalate Amid Regional Conflict
The U.S. military responded to the attack with airstrikes against Iranian targets, according to U.S. Central Command, which said the five-hour operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, marked the third consecutive night of American strikes against Iran. Trump also announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian shipping, declaring the U.S. would act as the guardian of the Hormuz Strait
and demand a 20% fee on cargo. The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE,
he wrote on Truth Social.
The strikes followed reports of U.S. troop deaths in Jordan, with two service members confirmed killed and one missing after an earlier Iranian attack. U.S. Central Command confirmed 16 U.S. service members have been killed and over 430 wounded since the conflict began. The U.S. has violated its commitments under a recent interim deal, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, told state TV, stating Tehran would no longer implement
the agreement.
Iran’s Regional Demands and Strategic Moves
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned of unforgettable lessons
for the U.S. if it continued attacks, a statement broadcast on state TV. Meanwhile, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said any agreement with the U.S. would only hold if its terms were implemented, adding that Tehran had no reason to follow a deal that provided no benefits.
The IRGC also claimed responsibility for targeting the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, though Jordan reported intercepting three missiles launched from Iran.
Global Implications and Geopolitical Tensions
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the U.S. issuing a global travel alert due to rising tensions. The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20% of global oil supplies, remains a flashpoint. U.S. strikes have targeted areas near the strait, including Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. In Iraq, Kurdish forces reported shooting down eight explosive-laden drones near Erbil, part of a broader pattern of attacks in the region.
The U.S. has expanded its military presence in the Pacific, including in Micronesia, as part of a broader strategy to counter China. High-level talks between U.S. and Micronesian officials focused on the United States’ broader defense and force posture in the Pacific,
with plans for a more permanent U.S. military presence. However, this expansion has raised concerns about regional stability, with some locals viewing it as a response to China’s growing influence.
What Comes Next: Uncertainty and Escalation
With both sides refusing to back down, the risk of further escalation remains high. Iran’s IRGC has vowed to continue targeting U.S. interests, while the U.S. has signaled it will maintain its military campaign. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade, could see increased volatility as both sides reinforce their positions. Analysts warn that the conflict’s impact on oil prices and regional security could have far-reaching consequences, with no clear resolution in sight.
Sources: samaa.tv.
