US carries out 'powerful' strikes on Iran after attacks on bases and regional allies

The United States military launched 'powerful' strikes on Iran on Thursday, retaliating for Tehran's attacks targeting US bases in Jordan. The strikes ended a nearly week-long lull in fighting, dashing hopes for a return to negotiations.

US Central Command said the strikes were a powerful response to Iranian attempts to attack US forces. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the US carried out joint strikes in Iraq on Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed groups. Israel accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia reported drone attacks on its oil facilities, blaming Iraqi armed groups allied with Tehran. Iran launched missiles at Jordan, a US ally. Iranian state media reported a US strike near the Iran-Iraq border.

US President Donald Trump said before the strikes that they would be devastating. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted US bases in Jordan, adding that resistance would continue as long as threats persist.

Israel accused Hezbollah of using a drone against an Israeli vehicle in Lebanon, calling it a clear ceasefire violation. US stock markets ended sharply lower on an oil price jump, while 30-year Treasury yields hit their highest levels since 2007.

In Iraq, a joint US-Saudi air operation followed attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi alliance said at least 20 of its members were killed, denouncing a 'dangerous escalation'. Two officials said five Iranian advisors were among the dead.

Iraq condemned the strikes, rejecting all aggression. Trump said the strikes were coordinated with the Iraqi government. The strikes come amid US pressure on Iraq to disarm pro-Iran groups.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they attacked and stopped three tankers, claiming full control of the waterway. Iran plans to collect fees for passage, which Washington opposes. The US announced new sanctions on entities linked to the Guards for extorting ships. The Hormuz closure has increased the significance of the Red Sea as an alternative export route.