Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday as US forces carried out another series of airstrikes targeting locations linked to Iran, a day after two American soldiers were killed in an attack in Jordan.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was launched under the direction of President Donald Trump. According to the military, the objective was to reduce Iran’s operational capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and respond to attacks allegedly carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against US personnel.
The latest strikes reportedly focused on strategic sites in southern Iran, including areas near Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Ahvaz and Bushehr. While US officials described the targets as military in nature, Iranian media claimed that some civilian neighbourhoods were also affected during the bombardment.
The escalation comes after CENTCOM confirmed that two US service members lost their lives in Jordan, while another remains missing following missile attacks blamed on Iranian-backed forces. The deaths have further heightened tensions between the two countries, with Washington pledging a firm response.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth honoured the fallen personnel, saying their sacrifice would reinforce the country’s commitment to protecting its forces and interests in the region.
Iran, meanwhile, maintained that it would continue retaliatory operations if attacks on its territory persisted. Iranian military officials claimed they had targeted US military facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, and reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iran’s control.
The latest developments have deepened fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly as key energy infrastructure and shipping routes continue to be drawn into the confrontation. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns mounting over its potential impact on regional stability and global oil supplies.
As military operations continue on both sides, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough appear increasingly uncertain, with the crisis showing signs of further escalation.
