The US military launched intense airstrikes on Iran on 29/7, eastern time, in retaliation for an Iranian ballistic missile attack on US forces in Jordan. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, stated that the strikes, which began at 8 p.m. (7 a.m. today, Hanoi time), were "a strong response to Iran's efforts targeting US forces stationed in the Middle East yesterday."
The US military did not disclose the targets. However, Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm island, Bushehr province, and in Abadan city, Khuzestan province, all in southwestern Iran. Tasnim news agency specifically noted that missiles struck a residential area on Qeshm island.
The extent of damage and casualties from the strikes remains unclear.
The US strikes followed President Donald Trump's announcement one day prior that the US military would deliver a strong blow to Iran. This was in direct retaliation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s ballistic missile attack on US forces stationed in Jordan on 28/7. Trump revealed that US forces in Jordan had only minutes to respond, successfully shooting down the incoming missiles before they could hit their targets.
The IRGC confirmed launching missiles at US military facilities in Jordan, while the Jordanian army stated it had intercepted 5 Iranian missiles with US support.
Clashes in the region reignited just days after the US and Iran declared a halt to mutual attacks. President Trump stated that the US ceased airstrikes at Iran's request, while Tehran denied reports of proactively proposing negotiations with Washington.
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Location of Qeshm island, Bushehr province, and Abadan city. Graphics: Chat GPT/Huyen Le |
US media previously reported that Trump had decided to halt operations following recommendations from Admiral Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM leader, and his advisory team. Sources suggested Admiral Cooper believed the US had significantly weakened Iran's capacity to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving few remaining targets. Simultaneously, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reportedly warned President Trump about a regional shortage of air defense missiles.
Oil prices surged on 29/7, marking one of the sharpest increases since the conflict erupted. Brent crude prices rose over 8%, surpassing 90 USD per barrel, reversing most of the week's earlier losses after Trump's unexpected order to halt airstrikes.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
