The United States intensified its military campaign against Iran on Wednesday with a series of strikes aimed at degrading Tehran’s military capabilities, particularly those linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command reported that the daytime operation began around 1000 GMT but did not specify the exact locations or targets involved.
These latest actions followed overnight strikes and came amid President Donald Trump’s warnings of a possible escalation targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. Speaking on Fox News Tuesday night, Trump stated that U.S. forces would conduct robust strikes in the coming days and that the military campaign would persist until he deemed it sufficient. “Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants,” Trump said, adding that the strikes would continue unless Iran returned to negotiations.
Iranian officials reported significant casualties and damage resulting from the recent attacks. Authorities in Iran said seven soldiers were killed in a strike on a military barracks near Iranshahr in southeastern Iran, with another 13 missiles reportedly hitting the base. The Mehr news agency, citing military sources, noted additional injuries among personnel.
In addition, Iran’s government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani reported that at least 30 civilians had been killed over several days of U.S. attacks in the southern part of the country, with the Health Ministry indicating more than 260 people had been injured since hostilities escalated about a week ago. Iranian state media also cited an overnight U.S. strike on a wheat silo in Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border, though it said there were no fatalities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) condemned the strikes, particularly those on civilian infrastructure, describing them as acts of “weakness and cruelty.” The IRGC further alleged that a mineral water production facility in Ilam province had been targeted. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated Tehran’s refusal to engage in negotiations with the United States, stating that Iran would implement its international obligations only if Washington fulfilled its commitments under the suspended memorandum of understanding. Baghaei emphasized that Iran withdrew from its commitments after the U.S. allegedly violated the terms of the agreement.
Regional tensions also intensified as Iranian attacks extended beyond its borders. Jordan reported that its air defense forces intercepted three missiles launched from Iran that entered its airspace overnight, with no casualties or damage reported. The IRGC claimed responsibility for targeting the Al Azraq air base in eastern Jordan, specifically wing hangars used by U.S. fighter jets. Iran’s conventional armed forces also stated they conducted drone strikes against targets in Jordan.
In the wider Gulf region, Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted hostile aerial threats following drone attacks reportedly originating from Iran. Meanwhile, Bahrain activated air raid sirens and advised residents to take shelter amid increasing security concerns. Both Kuwait and Bahrain host U.S. military bases and have been targeted multiple times in recent days amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.