WASHINGTON, Sep 2: The US military carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military targets on Tuesday, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on sites across the region, escalating hostilities in a conflict that has continued intermittently for more than six months.
US Central Command said it had completed the latest strikes against Iranian air defence positions, radar systems and maritime assets. The attacks came after US forces resumed military operations on Sunday following a month-long pause.
US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face even stronger attacks if it retaliates against the latest US strikes. He also said he would not force Tehran to return to negotiations, arguing that Washington currently holds a strong position, including control over key areas around the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Trump had indicated that his administration could use intensified economic sanctions to pressure Iran. He said Iran would be “hit again at a much harder and higher level” if it responded militarily.
US Central Command said the strikes were carried out after Iran allegedly attempted to target commercial vessels and American forces in the Middle East. Trump separately said US forces targeted Iranian radar systems that Tehran had been trying to rebuild.
Following the US attacks, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Jordan. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had targeted a US base along Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba coast.
Jordan’s military said its air defences intercepted 10 missiles, while three others landed in unpopulated areas. Explosions were reported over Aqaba as the incoming attacks were intercepted.
Iranian state media also reported US strikes on civilian locations along Iran’s southern coast, including a civilian airport. Local officials said a US strike hit a house hosting a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, southern Iran, killing five people, including a child, and injuring at least 68 others.
Iranian officials condemned the reported civilian casualties and warned that the attacks would not go unanswered. US Central Command acknowledged reports of civilian casualties but said the claims originated from Iranian state media, reiterating that US forces do not target civilians.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Army said its air defences intercepted drone attacks following what it described as Iranian aggression. Iran also claimed to have launched a drone attack against US forces in Bahrain, while Bahraini authorities said the attacks had been intercepted.
