US strikes begin against IRGC targets in Iran

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday that American forces have begun striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, according to an announcement posted on the social media platform X.

"Today at 12 m. ET, S. forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran," CENTCOM said in the post, as reported by Middle East Monitor.

The command stated that the strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region.

Explosions reported near Bandar Abbas

Iranian state media reported that several explosions were heard in the eastern area of Bandar Abbas, according to the Jerusalem Post. No further details about the explosions or any damage were provided in the report.

Broader context of US-Iran tensions

According to Middle East Monitor, tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high since the war began with strikes on Iran in late February. A framework deal was reportedly signed in June through Pakistani and Qatari mediation. The US later began a two-week bombing campaign in July and reimposed a naval blockade after differences over navigation in the strait.

US military presence and previous operations

CENTCOM disclosed that the US military has more than 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East, according to trade. This figure was provided alongside confirmation that the command completed a series of strikes against Iran on September 1.

The September 1 operations targeted specific Iranian military infrastructure, including air-defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communications sites, as stated by CENTCOM. The command also confirmed completing strikes on targets associated with the IRGC.

Maritime interventions

As of July 30, forces under CENTCOM had carried out a series of maritime interventions involving commercial vessels, according to a US military statement cited by trade. These actions included redirecting 22 vessels, disabling 2, and boarding 2, engaging a total of 26 commercial vessels. No further operational details or locations were provided.

Developing story

This is a developing story, and further details may emerge as operations continue.