Iran has launched missiles and drones in retaliation for new U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets, according to Iranian semiofficial media, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
The reports from the Fars and Tasnim news agencies, which are closely associated with Iran’s security establishment, came after the U.S. military announced a fresh wave of strikes against targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were carried out after what Washington described as recent Iranian attempts to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threaten American service members stationed in the region. The United States has characterized the operation as a limited, defensive response.
The renewed fighting follows a month-long period of relative calm between the two countries. The latest exchange threatens to undermine a June ceasefire arrangement, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian saying Tehran is prepared to return to the agreement if Washington fulfills its commitments.
President Donald Trump, however, has warned Iran against retaliating and said the U.S. strikes were justified. He has indicated that Washington could launch significantly stronger attacks if Tehran responds militarily.
The escalation is particularly significant because of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Any sustained disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect global oil supplies and push energy prices higher.
Iranian officials have continued to emphasize their ability to challenge U.S. forces in the region, while Washington says it is prepared to defend American personnel and international shipping.
The latest strikes have also raised concerns about civilian casualties. Iranian authorities reported deaths and injuries following a U.S. strike that hit a home where a wedding was taking place in southern Iran, although the United States has not immediately commented on the reported incident.
With both sides exchanging attacks and diplomatic efforts facing renewed pressure, fears are growing that the latest confrontation could develop into a broader Middle East conflict.
Swifteradio.com
