US Strikes Iran IRGC Targets as Conflict Escalates

The U.S. military completed a new wave of strikes against Iran late Tuesday, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities as fighting between Washington and Tehran intensified following a weekend exchange of fire.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces struck IRGC air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, communications sites and other facilities.

Axios, citing U.S. officials, reported that two Iranian government tankers were also attacked during Tuesday's military operation.

Iran retaliated against the U.S. strikes, marking one of the most serious escalations in weeks. The widening conflict has increased concerns about Middle East oil supplies and pushed global energy prices higher.

The latest confrontation followed the first major exchange of fire since late July and attacks Monday on two tankers leaving the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has severely restricted shipping through the strategically important waterway. Tehran also launched strikes against U.S.-linked assets in Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq.

Iranian authorities reported civilian casualties from the latest attacks. The Iranian Red Crescent said five people were killed and 50 wounded at a wedding near Sirik, a coastal area along the Strait of Hormuz. Mehr News reported that a 4-year-old child was among those killed, while IRNA cited a provincial official who put the number of wounded at 68.

The current Iran war began after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. The conflict has since killed thousands and displaced millions across Iran and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, describing it as the highest level since the war disrupted traffic through the key global energy route. Brent crude was trading above $95 a barrel amid renewed supply concerns.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was "not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table."

Trump also questioned when Iranian citizens would "rise up and fight" as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate.