US forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting strategic sites across Iran overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.
According to US Central Command, the operations were conducted in response to Iranian ballistic missile strikes on American military bases located throughout the Middle East.
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The central command stated that the retaliatory operation focused on destroying Iranian military command centers, missile and drone infrastructure, coastal defense sites, and naval capabilities.
Iranian media reported blasts hitting key locations, including Abadan, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Khorramshahr, Nurabad, Sirik, and the islands of Kish and Qeshm.
The escalation follows Iran breaking a temporary pause in hostilities overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday by launching ballistic missiles at several American bases, including a facility in Jordan.
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A strategic US ally, Egypt, also reported drone attacks on one of its ports on Wednesday, an incident attributed to Iranian forces.
Addressing the Iranian strikes on American assets, US leadership signaled an immediate military response.
"They can expect a thrashing," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.
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The military engagement marks a dramatic resurgence of direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both nations targeting high-value defense installations across the region.
