US Hits Iran with fresh wave of airstrikes IRGC & Nuclear site struck conflict edges closer to all-out war

The United States has launched another wave of airstrikes against Iran after confirming the death of a second American service member linked to the escalating conflict, while Tehran answered with fresh missile attacks aimed at Jordan, raising fears the war could spread further across the Middle East.

The latest exchanges mark the ninth consecutive night of U.S. strikes, with President Donald Trump vowing that American forces would continue retaliating against Iranian attacks. Speaking after the operation, Trump said the latest strikes were carried out "very hard" and dedicated to the U.S. troops who have lost their lives.

US expands military campaign

The Pentagon said the latest operation targeted a broad range of Iranian military assets, including Revolutionary Guard command centres, missile and drone launch sites, air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities and military communications networks.

Iranian state media reported explosions in both southern and northwestern parts of the country, although officials have not released casualty figures or assessed the extent of the damage.

The renewed offensive follows confirmation that another American service member died in Iraq during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone. Officials are also examining unidentified remains recovered after Friday's deadly attack on U.S. troops in Jordan. Since the conflict began, 17 American service members have been killed.

Iran widens retaliation

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Jordan, forcing air defence systems into action across Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Jordan said it successfully intercepted several incoming missiles without casualties, while Israel warned that missiles aimed at Jordan's port of Aqaba could stray into Israeli territory, prompting air raid alerts around Eilat for the first time in weeks.

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain also issued an unusual warning that Iran could target locations in central Manama, although it provided no further details.

Nuclear site reportedly struck

Iran claimed one of the American strikes hit the construction site of the planned Darkhovin nuclear power plant in the country's southwest.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the facility was still in the early stages of construction and contained no nuclear material during its last inspection, reducing concerns over possible radioactive contamination.

Footage released by the U.S. military appeared to show fighter aircraft and Tomahawk cruise missiles striking targets hidden in mountainous terrain, where Iran is known to shelter missile bases and military infrastructure.

Shipping crisis deepens

The conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets as commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted.

A vessel caught fire near Oman's coastline early Monday under circumstances that remain unclear, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it was targeting oil tankers operating in the strategic waterway.

Brent crude climbed above $90 per barrel as fears mounted over prolonged disruption to one of the world's most important oil routes.

The United States has also tightened pressure by reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, saying it has already redirected several vessels and disabled another attempting to move crude oil exports.

Civilian infrastructure increasingly under fire

Both sides have expanded attacks beyond military targets.

Iran said recent U.S. strikes hit infrastructure linked to electricity production and transport, while Kuwait reported another attack on a major power and water desalination facility, causing fires but no major disruption to electricity supplies.

The growing focus on civilian infrastructure has raised concerns among humanitarian organisations, which warn that such facilities are protected under international law unless they are being used for military purposes.

Diplomacy remains stalled

The latest escalation comes after last month's interim ceasefire agreement effectively collapsed, leaving diplomatic efforts in limbo.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted Washington remains willing to negotiate but said meaningful talks require genuine engagement from Tehran.

"We're going to continue to respond," Rubio said. "If the door opens to diplomacy, that would be a very positive development. That's not where we are tonight."

Iranian authorities say at least 50 people have been killed and more than 500 wounded in the latest wave of U.S. strikes, underscoring the mounting human cost as both sides edge ever closer to a wider regional war.

SOURCE

The article can be misinterpreted. Iran is not generally attacking its neighbors. Its missile and drone barrages are aimed specifically at U.S. military installations and command hubs, such as Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a military target.

Not sure why the U.S. is bombing nuclear facilities as those were obliterated on the first day of the war. The U.S. President said so.

After months of browbeating European nations to join his Iran war, Hegseth is now desperately seeking their assistance—only to discover that his previous bullying has consequences, Politico reported Wednesday.

The Defense Secretary is proposing an international coalition that will patrol the Strait of Hormuz, according to Politico.

"Hegseth is urging the U.K. and France to help lead the naval coalition," according to the report. "But even with the assistance of U.K. Defense Minister Wes Streeting, he’s facing skepticism across Europe, according to four British officials and one U.S. official."

European officials have expressed "deep frustration" over the President Donald Trump administration's treatment so far, stemming back to when the president launched airstrikes on Iran in February without consultation—no heads-up to Congress, no warning to longstanding partners.

"There was no consultation with Congress, no consultation with allies, just boom," Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) told Politico.

Even America's closest ally is drawing firm lines. U.K. Defense Minister Wes Streeting cautiously agreed to help with maritime security but explicitly rejected further offensive operations.

"The U.K. has 'not joined and will not join offensive U.S. military action in Iran,'" Streeting said, maintaining distinction between defending shipping lanes and supporting Trump's escalation agenda.

Coons articulated the deeper problem, stating Trump is "deeply frustrated that Congress isn't supporting it, the American people aren't supporting it, our core allies aren't supporting it. You can't be surprised when you throw a party and you don't invite anybody."

Bully tactics come back to bite Hegseth — now begging for help he can't get: report

https://www.trtworld.com/article/f6a0f7f0499d/amp

Hitting them hard”

The latest strikes came hours after a drone struck a US-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker in Egypt.

Earlier in the day, Trump said the US military will hit Iran "hard" after a missile attack against US bases in Jordan, Fox News reported.

"We'll be hitting them hard. They're going to get a beating," Fox's correspondent quoted Trump as saying on Wednesday, adding that the US president used swear words to emphasise his point: "We are going to beat the 'effing s' out of them."

Trump also told Fox that US-Saudi bombing of pro-Iranian militias overnight inside Iraq had been coordinated with the authorities in Baghdad, despite the Iraqi government publicly condemning the attacks.

18 hours ago, Purdey said:

Not sure why the U.S. is bombing nuclear facilities as those were obliterated on the first day of the war. The U.S. President said so.

I know it is entirely counter intuitive, and perhaps presumptive of me as a mere Island monkey from the foggy archipelago off the north west coast of Europe, but perhaps, (and I know this is scarcely credible), the US President was being just a teeny bit economical with the truth?

Utterly out of character, contrary to both his noble spirit and the dignity of his office, which he so sctupulously maintains, almost too incredible to be contemplated but there we go!