US launches strikes on Iran’s IRGC targets

The United States military said Tuesday that it had launched strikes against targets linked to Iran’s Islamic

The United States military said Tuesday that it had launched strikes against targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes began at around 1600 GMT. According to the US military, the operation followed what it described as recent attempted attacks by the IRGC on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and on American personnel deployed in the region.

The reported strikes triggered explosions near Iran’s southern coast. Iranian state media said several blasts were heard east of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province.

More than five explosions were reportedly heard around Masan village on Qeshm Island. Additional blasts were also reported from the direction of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities said no casualties had been reported in Hormozgan province so far.

The latest military action has also raised concerns about wider disruptions across the Middle East. The US Embassy in Israel warned American citizens that further escalation could lead to flight cancellations, airport disruptions and airspace closures.

The embassy said the security situation remained complicated and warned that unexpected developments could occur. It also cautioned US citizens about possible attacks on American interests and facilities in the region and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Tehran strongly criticised Washington’s approach to negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of treating negotiations as an attempt to impose its demands on Iran.

Baghaei said Tehran would not accept what he described as negotiations conducted through pressure or dictation. He also warned that Iran would respond to any further attacks.

The Iranian official accused Washington of violating commitments under an interim memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year. He said Iran would determine its future position based on developments but would continue using diplomacy when necessary to protect its interests.

Baghaei also said Iran remained in contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, he denied that new negotiations between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog were currently taking place.

He further rejected claims of nuclear activity at the Kuh-e Kolang, or Pickaxe Mountain, site. His comments came after IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said there was no solid evidence supporting allegations of nuclear activity at the location.

Tensions have also spread to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Two large oil tankers carrying Saudi crude were reportedly hit by unidentified projectiles while travelling out of the waterway late Monday. Shipping intelligence firms said the incidents occurred only minutes apart.

The vessels were carrying millions of barrels of Saudi oil. Their crews were reportedly safe.

The attacks have added to concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy routes. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil shipments.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said diplomatic efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the waterway were continuing but had yet to produce a breakthrough.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signalled that diplomacy remained possible.

Pezeshkian said Iran would immediately reciprocate if Washington returned to its commitments under the interim agreement. Tehran has repeatedly linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to US compliance with the terms of the deal.