US launches major new strikes on Iranian military targets

Photo — Aseem Borkar / Pexels

According to U.S. Central Command and multiple major outlets, the United States has launched what officials describe as a "large and powerful" wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, including air defense installations, radar systems and maritime assets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.[4][8][10][14] The operation follows a period of relative calm but comes after what Iran says was a deadly strike that killed five people and wounded dozens at a wedding, a claim Tehran is using to accuse Washington of violating recent understandings.[4] Reuters and other agencies report that U.S. officials are framing the action as both retaliation and deterrence, warning that even more devastating strikes could follow if Iran or its proxies continue attacks on U.S. forces or regional allies.[4][8][10][14] The escalation deepens fears of a broader regional conflict, complicates already fraught diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear program at the United Nations, and risks destabilizing global energy markets at a time when bond and oil price volatility is already rattling investors.[4][9][10] Regional governments and international institutions are urging de-escalation as both Washington and Tehran signal they are prepared to raise the stakes further.[4][8][10]

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, NBC News, CBS News, BBC News