The US strikes on Iran intensified late on July 29 after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a heavy wave of attacks against multiple targets across Iran in response to what Washington described as attempted Iranian missile attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East a day earlier. According to CENTCOM, the operation began at 8 p.m. ET and expanded by 10 p.m. ET, targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, including military command centers, missile and drone sites, coastal surveillance positions, defense installations and maritime assets.
CENTCOM said the operation was carried out after IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran on July 28 in what it called an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces stationed in the region. The U.S. military stated that all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. More than 50,000 U.S. service members remain deployed across the Middle East and, according to the command, are maintaining a high state of readiness.
US Strikes on Iran Hit Multiple Provinces and Strategic Sites
The US strikes on Iran reportedly hit several locations in southwestern Iran. Iranian state television said multiple sites in Ahvaz, in Khuzestan province, were struck, causing partial power outages across parts of the city. State media reported that at least seven locations in Ahvaz were hit, while explosions were also heard in Shadegan, Arvand Kenar and Abadan.
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that U.S. forces also targeted Fars province and Kish Island in the Gulf. Two loud explosions were heard on Kish Island following the attacks, although the report said that airport operations and passenger ferry services were unaffected. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing Khuzestan province’s deputy security minister, said U.S. forces struck several sites in Abadan.
Additional explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, the port city in Hormozgan province, as well as on Abu Musa, Kish and Qeshm islands. CENTCOM said the strikes were intended to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxy groups to American forces, commercial shipping and neighboring Gulf countries.
CENTCOM also stated that its forces continue to enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. According to the military command, as of July 29, U.S. forces had redirected 20 commercial vessels, disabled two vessels and boarded two others as part of the blockade operations.
Israeli security agencies reportedly believe that recent Iranian actions have brought the United States closer to launching broader retaliatory measures. Israel’s Channel 15 reported that officials in Washington view the current situation as an escalation requiring a stronger response. According to the report, a senior Israeli security source said American authorities were preparing an operation significantly larger than previous actions.
The report said Israeli intelligence assessments were based on several developments, including an Iranian missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, strikes by Iran-backed groups against Saudi targets from Iraq, Iranian threats directed at Azerbaijan and Ukraine, Tehran’s refusal to compromise on the Strait of Hormuz and reports of attacks on Egyptian territory.
On July 29, President Donald Trump addressed the situation from the White House and said the United States would carry out a heavy strike against Iran after Tehran launched missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East. Trump stated that “now it’s America’s turn” to respond and said Iran had urged Washington not to strike because it “knew the strike was inevitable.” He added that the United States would “teach them a lesson.”
Trump also said he had received a briefing regarding a drone attack on an LNG carrier in waters off Egypt and stated that “the issue will be resolved.” In addition, the president said he hopes to include a provision in a Russia sanctions bill backed by Senator Lindsey Graham that would authorize the United States to impose tariffs on Iran.
