U.S. launches new airstrikes as conflict with Iran escalates

Photo — Zahra Baghi / Pexels

According to multiple major outlets, U.S. forces have carried out large and coordinated airstrikes against Iranian-linked targets for the second time in three days, with U.S. Central Command saying the operations were aimed at degrading the capabilities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.[1][4][14][15] Iranian authorities and aid groups report that at least five people were killed and dozens wounded, including civilians hit when shrapnel from a U.S. strike struck a home, and they accuse Washington of violating an interim understanding meant to pause the conflict.[2][4][8] Reuters and other outlets describe the situation as a renewed war footing, noting that U.S. officials are threatening further “devastating” strikes if Iran continues what Washington calls destabilizing activities, while Tehran warns it will reciprocate if the U.S. complies with commitments under a June interim deal.[4][8][14] The flare-up comes against a backdrop of wider regional and global tensions, including recent attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and contentious diplomatic moves at the United Nations over Iran’s nuclear program, fueling concerns that the confrontation could disrupt global energy markets and draw in additional states.[1][4][8]

Sources: Reuters, The New York Times, BBC News, NBC News, Al Jazeera, CBS News