U.S. forces launched what officials described as a “heavy wave” of strikes against multiple Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets across Iran on Wednesday night, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The operation began at approximately 7 p.m. ET and concluded about three hours later, CENTCOM said. The strikes were carried out in response to what the military described as Iran’s “attempted surprise attack” on U.S. bases the previous night.
In a statement posted to X, CENTCOM said American forces targeted a wide range of IRGC military assets during the operation.
“CENTCOM assets struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities,” the statement said.
According to CENTCOM, the objective of the operation was to further reduce the threats posed by Iran and its proxy forces to U.S. personnel, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf nations.
“The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries,” the statement continued.
Along with the announcement, CENTCOM released a montage showing footage from the strikes, highlighting the scale of the military operation.
The military also emphasized that a significant American force remains stationed throughout the region.
“More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed to the Middle East and remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready,” CENTCOM concluded in its statement.
The latest operation follows heightened tensions after the IRGC launched what CENTCOM described as an “attempted surprise attack” against U.S. military officials using ballistic missiles the night before. According to CENTCOM, every missile fired during that attack was successfully intercepted, preventing any from reaching their intended targets.
Wednesday’s strikes marked a major response by the United States following that attempted missile assault, with American forces hitting dozens of military-related sites tied to the IRGC across Iran.
The operation also comes after recent reports that President Donald Trump had reconsidered military options involving Iran.
Last week, The New York Times reported that Trump had reversed course on a planned major attack following several days of strikes against Iran. However, Wednesday’s large-scale military operation appeared to signal that such an assault had once again become an option.
CENTCOM’s statement characterized the mission as a direct effort to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and reduce risks facing American forces and regional partners.
The operation concluded after roughly three hours, ending what CENTCOM described as a broad strike campaign against IRGC targets that included command centers, missile and drone infrastructure, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities.
With tens of thousands of U.S. troops still deployed throughout the Middle East, CENTCOM said American forces remain prepared for any further developments as tensions with Iran continue.
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