The U.S. military launched a significant wave of airstrikes against Iran on the evening of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in direct response to ballistic missile attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched late Tuesday targeting American forces in the Gulf region. Central Command described the strikes as a “powerful response” and said they hit dozens of IRGC targets including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance, and maritime infrastructure. The operation, lasting about two hours, aimed to reduce threats posed by Iran and its proxies to U.S. personnel, commercial shipping, and regional Gulf allies.

Iran’s missile strikes marked a shift from previous patterns, signaling Tehran’s readiness to escalate hostilities rather than seek diplomacy. Security experts noted that Iran’s willingness to strike first may indicate more aggressive retaliation to future U.S. military actions and the potential targeting of critical civil infrastructure such as airports, power grids, and oil facilities. The renewed violence comes amid efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to caution against a prolonged conflict that could engulf the wider Middle East region, intensifying fears of broader regional instability.

The conflict’s escalation has already severely impacted oil markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil supplies. Following the announcement of U.S. strikes and President Donald Trump’s warnings of heavy retaliation, oil prices surged sharply with Brent crude rising 7.9% to over $90 a barrel. The tensions are also affecting Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, with attacks forcing the shutdown of the 400,000 barrels-per-day Jazan refinery. Tanker traffic through the Gulf has largely halted, further exacerbating concerns over global energy supply disruptions.

Alongside military actions, the conflict is spreading in the region. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia coordinated joint strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq that had targeted Saudi oil facilities. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed attacks on Saudi pipeline infrastructure. In Washington, Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for expanding sanctions legislation to include tariffs on Iran, showing preparations for further economic pressure. Analysts warn that ongoing hostilities are dimming hopes for swift de-escalation and complicate efforts to bring peace talks back to the table.