Even before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump, a surge of US strikes hit strategic locations across Iran, including bridges and the key oil export hub, Kharg Island.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed the strikes, stressing they targeted military objectives only and did not represent a shift in Washington’s strategy.
“We were going to strike some military targets on Kharg Island, and I believe we have done so,” Vance said.
“We’re not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don’t make a proposal.”
“I don’t think the news in Kharg Island represents any change in strategy or direction from the president.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched missiles from twin launch systems for the first time in its retaliatory attacks against the US-Israeli aggression.
The Public Relations of the IRGC said on Tuesday that the latest launch marked a pivotal moment, as missile strikes targeted central and southern regions of the Israeli-occupied territories.
The areas affected included major urban centers such as Rishon Letzion, Petah Tikva, Be’er Sheva, and Tel Aviv, with over 30 points targeted in total.
Kheybar-Shekan missiles were used in the strikes, which are known for their precision and capability to hit strategic sites.
The IRGC warned of carrying out heavier retaliatory attacks against the occupied territories, adding that all the Israeli regime’s industrial, infrastructure and military centers will be targeted in response to the “heinous crimes” against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Tuesday condemned US President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran, invoking verses from the Holy Quran to emphasize resilience in the face of external aggression.
Baqaei shared a message on his social X account, framing the confrontation in spiritual and moral terms. Citing Quranic scripture, he highlighted the belief in divine support against adversaries:
“The Satan hath overpowered them, and so hath caused them to forget the remembrance of Allah. These are the band of the Satan… Verily those who oppose Allah and His Messenger shall be among the lowest…..)
In retaliation, the Iranian Armed Forces have conducted missile and drone strikes against US and Israeli positions in regional bases and occupied territories.
