The United States carried out overnight strikes on Iran, reigniting a low-intensity tit-for-tat war after a days-long pause, as mediators struggled to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. The attacks came hours after President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran 'very hard' following Tehran's targeting of a base in Jordan hosting American troops.
Details of the US strikes
US Central Command said it hit dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in a 'heavy wave of strikes' lasting two hours, including military command centers and missile and drone facilities. The strikes aimed to 'further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries,' according to Central Command.
Iranian state media reported three people injured in attacks on Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz, and explosions in Khuzestan province. The IRGC said three members were killed by US strikes in the northwestern province of Zanjan.
Iranian retaliation
Tehran retaliated against US allies. Jordan reported incoming missiles for the second day, with no casualties. Kuwait accused Iran of a strike hitting a building, killing one person. Both strikes were believed part of Iran's retaliation.
Drone strikes also caused fires on two natural gas vessels at Egypt's Damietta port, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The Egyptian government confirmed a drone attack ignited the blaze, but responsibility was unclear. No injuries were reported, and the port remained operational. This was the first attack on Egypt since the Iran war started in late February, signaling a potential widening of the conflict. The Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen denied involvement.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Despite the renewed strikes, mediators insisted talks were ongoing. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said they were doing their 'utmost to bring all parties back' to the negotiating table. The renewed strikes came after the US partnered with Saudi Arabia to strike Iran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq on Wednesday, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.
Analysts said the flare-ups on multiple fronts after several days of relative calm pushed the region into 'uncharted territory,' underscoring the difficulty of winding down a five-month conflict that has jolted the world economy.
Impact on oil prices and US stockpiles
The renewed hostilities sent oil prices spiking. Brent crude jumped 7.3% to more than $88 a barrel. The fighting also raised concerns that the US is further drawing down its already diminished stockpiles of sophisticated munitions needed to defend its bases and allies.
During an Oval Office event, Trump responded to questions about Iran's involvement in the Egypt strikes, saying, 'It's a little more of the same. In the meantime, we're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them.'
Broader regional context
Saudi Arabia is also locked in a renewed conflict with the Houthis, who have declared a blockade of Saudi shipping that could choke off the Bab el-Mandeb strait. On Wednesday, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Saudi decision to conduct joint strikes with the US was meant to send a message to Iran, but the kingdom still preferred negotiations, according to the Associated Press.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Shia Iranian-backed armed groups under the Iraqi military's command, said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded in the overnight strikes. Iran's deputy governor for Markazi province told state media that four advisers from Tehran were also killed.
