U.S. Carries Out Heavy Strikes on IRGC as Iran Fires Back Across Region

Overview

• U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces completed a heavy campaign on the night of July 30–31 targeting dozens of IRGC sites inside Iran, including command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal defenses and maritime capabilities.
• Iran launched ballistic missiles toward U.S. forces that CENTCOM said were intercepted and claimed further attacks with drones and strikes on tankers and bases in Kuwait and the Strait of Hormuz, while a merchant ship was reported struck off Oman.
• Iranian state media reported that a U.S. strike on Qeshm island killed three members of one family, including a two‑year‑old, and hospitalized two other children, a report not independently verified in the coverage provided.
• Pakistan is mediating talks between Washington and Tehran to try to de‑escalate the crisis, even as U.S. embassies in the region urged citizens to consider leaving and President Trump publicly vowed ‘‘very strong’’ strikes while U.S. officials debate expanding attacks to Iranian energy infrastructure.
• The widening clashes now touch Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and key sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz and approaches to Suez, raising the prospect of disrupted oil shipments, higher energy prices and further civilian harm across the region.