Centcom says dozens of IRGC targets hit as violence escalates despite renewed diplomatic efforts
The United States military has launched what it described as a “heavy wave” of airstrikes against Iran, targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities in retaliation for Iran’s attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces earlier this week.
According to US Central Command (Centcom), the strikes were carried out in response to Iran’s missile launches targeting US military bases in Jordan and American naval vessels operating in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The operation marks one of the largest US military responses in the ongoing conflict and signals another dangerous escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian state media reported that the latest US attacks killed at least three people, including a two-year-old child, on Qeshm Island. Additional strikes were also reported in southern and western Iran, although independent verification of the casualties has not yet been possible.
The latest military exchange comes during a week of rapidly expanding hostilities. Earlier, the United States and Saudi Arabia publicly acknowledged conducting joint strikes against Iranian-backed proxy groups in Iraq, highlighting growing regional cooperation against Tehran’s military network.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has now entered its fifth month. When President Donald Trump authorized military strikes against Iran in February, he stated that the conflict would likely last only a few weeks. However, the fighting has continued with no immediate signs of a ceasefire or diplomatic breakthrough.
Despite the renewed violence, reports suggest diplomatic contacts may still be underway. According to Axios, citing an unnamed US official, President Trump recently met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. During the meeting, the Saudi official reportedly emphasized Saudi Arabia’s desire to reduce regional tensions and encourage de-escalation. The White House has not publicly confirmed the report.
The latest escalation follows several days of relative calm, during which both Washington and Tehran had largely paused military operations. The pause had fueled speculation that indirect diplomatic talks were taking place to prevent a wider regional war.
President Trump described the contacts as “very friendly negotiations,” suggesting progress toward a diplomatic solution. However, Iranian officials rejected those claims, insisting that no negotiations with the United States were taking place.
Military analysts warn that the latest exchange of strikes significantly increases the risk of a broader regional conflict involving multiple Middle Eastern countries. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, remains a critical flashpoint, and continued military operations there could have serious implications for global energy markets and international shipping.
As both sides continue exchanging military strikes while publicly expressing differing views on diplomacy, international observers fear the conflict could become even more unpredictable in the coming weeks. The international community continues to urge restraint, renewed diplomatic engagement, and efforts to prevent further civilian casualties and regional instability.
