US resumes strikes on Iran after attack on American base in Jordan, Trump vows 'very hard' retaliation
PTC News Desk: The United States resumed air strikes on Iran on Thursday, ending a short pause in military action, after accusing Tehran of trying to launch a ballistic missile attack on American forces in the region. Several explosions were reported in southern Iran as the strikes began.
US Central Command (Centcom) said the attacks started at 8 pm ET (5:30 am IST) and were carried out in response to Iran's attempted missile strike on US troops. Soon after, Iranian media reported explosions in several southern areas. Tasnim News Agency said three blasts were heard on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, where a missile reportedly hit a residential area. Explosions were also reported in Bushehr and other southern locations, though Iranian officials did not immediately confirm casualties or damage.
The US strikes came days after Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward a US military base in Jordan. Centcom said all the missiles were intercepted, preventing any casualties or damage. While the US military did not name the target, American media reported that the missiles were aimed at a US military installation in Jordan.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had fired ballistic missiles at a US air base and another military facility in Jordan. The attack was Iran's first direct ballistic missile strike on a US military installation since the US had paused its bombing campaign to allow time for diplomatic talks.
US President Donald Trump promised a strong response after the missile attack.
"So it's our turn. We're going to hit them very hard," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
At the same time, Trump said the US was still open to diplomacy and would see if an agreement could be reached to end the conflict. Earlier this week, he said both sides were holding "good talks" but warned that military action would continue if negotiations failed.
- With inputs from agencies
