US escalates strike campaign against Iran amid renewed hostilities

The United States launched a heavy wave of strikes against Iran after Iranian missiles hit US forces in Jordan, saying dozens of IRGC targets—including command centers, missile and drone facilities, and maritime assets—were hit. Iran reported civilian casualties and retaliated by striking a US base in Jordan, with additional incidents in Kuwait and southern Iran provinces. The pause in attacks ended as regional tensions surged, and analysts discussed potential escalation paths; the US also imposed sanctions on two IRGC-linked firms tied to Hormuz shipping, underscoring concerns over threats to Gulf security and global shipping routes.