U.S. strikes Iranian targets intensified on Sept. 1 as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a wave of attacks against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military assets in Iran. The strikes targeted air-defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites. CENTCOM said the operation followed attempted IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and American service members.
The wider operation also included two Iranian government tankers, according to U.S. officials cited by Axios. The tankers were moored in Iranian nearshore waters north of the U.S. maritime blockade line, where U.S. drones struck their engine rooms. Officials described the action as part of a Trump-approved “tanker-for-tanker” policy intended to deter attacks on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz.
Other reported U.S. targets included IRGC air defences, radar systems, mine-laying facilities, communications sites, anti-ship cruise missile launchers and attack-drone platforms. CENTCOM said more than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently operating across the Middle East.
Iran Reports Retaliatory Attacks
Iranian forces subsequently reported a series of attacks on U.S. and allied facilities. The IRGC said it launched a combined missile and drone attack against a U.S. base in Erbil, Iraq. Iranian military officials also said drones targeted Sheikh Isa Airbase in Bahrain, while Bahrain said its air-defence system intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone.
Kuwait’s military said its air-defence systems were responding to drone attacks from Iran. Iranian military officials also reported attacks against U.S. and Bahraini air-base radar systems. The IRGC said ballistic missiles were launched toward Jordan, with reported targets including Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and Titin camp. U.S. officials said there were no U.S. casualties from the attack on Jordanian facilities to date.
Iranian state media reported that a U.S. strike near Sirik in Hormozgan province killed at least four people, including a 4-year-old child, and injured 35 others. Axios reported the strike hit a wedding in Kuhestak.
U.S. CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said he was aware of the reports but noted they originated from Iranian state media, adding that U.S. forces would never intentionally target civilians.
Iranian media also criticised President Donald Trump’s remarks, saying his statements reflected desperation and accusing him of exaggeration over U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the U.S. was striking Iranian targets near the strait and warned that further retaliation would bring a much stronger response.
