**US Launches Strikes on Iran Following Attempted Attack on Troops**
*Published: 30 July 2026, 02:01 BST*
The United States military has initiated a series of strikes against Iran in response to an attempted attack on American forces stationed in the Middle East. This military action, described by Central Command (Centcom) as a "powerful response," follows incidents on Tuesday where Iranian forces targeted US bases in Jordan and engaged vessels in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.
The recent escalation in hostilities marks a significant development in a conflict that has been ongoing for several months. This latest round of strikes comes just a day after the US and Saudi Arabia conducted their first publicly announced joint operations, which targeted Iranian proxy forces in Iraq. The coordinated efforts between the US and Saudi military illustrate a deepening alliance against Iranian influence in the region.
In February, US President Donald Trump had indicated that military operations against Iran would be brief, yet the conflict has now persisted for five months with no resolution in sight. Reports from Axios suggest that Trump recently met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss the situation, with the minister expressing a desire to de-escalate tensions. The White House has been approached for further comment on these discussions.
After a brief period of relative calm, during which both sides appeared to be engaging in diplomatic talks, the situation has reignited. Trump referred to the negotiations as "very friendly," although Tehran has denied any ongoing discussions. Just hours before the strikes were announced, Trump made it clear that the US would retaliate decisively against Iran for their recent actions, stating, "We're going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them. They know it's coming. They asked us not to do it."
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks on the US air base and command center in Jordan, framing their actions as a response to what they termed the "acts of aggression" by the United States. Additionally, they reported targeting three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that these vessels ignored warnings and navigated through an "unsafe and illegal route."
Prior to the latest strikes, Trump had suspended an extensive bombing campaign that had lasted for 13 consecutive nights, which focused on Iranian military installations and weapon depots. This campaign reportedly resulted in numerous casualties.
On Tuesday, Centcom reported that the joint US-Saudi strikes targeted "multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites" across eastern Iraq, following over 30 aerial drone attacks directed by the IRGC within a 72-hour timeframe. In response, Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which are largely composed of Iran-backed Shia militias, announced that at least 20 of its members had been killed in these strikes. The Iraqi presidency condemned the attacks, labeling them as "an unacceptable attack and a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty." However, Trump maintained that the strikes had been coordinated with the Iraqi government.
The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran is part of a larger regional struggle, with Saudi Arabia, a leading Sunni Muslim power, and Iran, the largest Shia Muslim nation, vying for dominance in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations as both sides navigate the complexities of military engagement and diplomatic negotiations.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with concerns about the implications for regional stability and security.