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U.S. Conducts Airstrikes on Iran in Retaliation for Attack on American Troops
June 22, 2025
Breaking: U.S. Launches Major Military Operation Against Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States has carried out a series of precision airstrikes against multiple high-value Iranian military targets, marking the most direct confrontation between the two nations in years. The Pentagon confirmed the operation early this morning, stating that the strikes were a "necessary and proportionate response" to a recent Iranian-backed attack that killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded dozens more in Iraq.
The military action, which involved fighter jets, drones, and long-range missiles, targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases, missile facilities, and drone production sites across several provinces. U.S. officials emphasized that the operation was strictly aimed at military infrastructure and not civilian areas. However, Iranian state media reported at least 12 fatalities, including both military personnel and civilians, though these numbers remain unverified.
The Biden administration has warned that further strikes could follow if Iran continues to support proxy attacks against American forces. Meanwhile, Tehran has vowed "severe retaliation," raising fears of an all-out regional war.
What Triggered the U.S. Strikes?
The immediate catalyst for today’s military action was a drone attack on a U.S. base near Erbil, Iraq, earlier this week, which killed three American service members and injured at least 34 others. U.S. intelligence attributed the strike to the Iran-backed militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah, which has long been supplied and directed by the IRGC.
"This was not a decision we took lightly," President Joe Biden said in a televised address from the White House. "Iran and its proxies have repeatedly attacked our forces, and we will not stand by while they threaten American lives. Today’s strikes send a clear message: The U.S. will defend its people and its interests."
The Pentagon released satellite imagery and intercepted communications allegedly proving Iran’s direct involvement in coordinating militia attacks across the region.
Scope of the U.S. Operation
According to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s ability to launch further attacks while avoiding a full-scale war. Key targets included:
IRGC Command Centers in Kermanshah and Tabriz
Ballistic Missile Sites near Isfahan
Drone Manufacturing Facilities in Shiraz
Weapons Depots used to supply proxy groups in Iraq and Syria
U.S. B-2 stealth bombers and F-35 fighter jets conducted the strikes, supported by Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from warships in the Persian Gulf. Early assessments suggest significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure, though Iranian officials claim their air defenses intercepted several missiles.
Iran’s Response: Threats of Escalation
Within hours of the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a fiery statement, calling the U.S. action a "grave mistake" and warning that "the aggressors will soon regret their arrogance."
President Ebrahim Raisi convened an emergency security council meeting, after which he declared that Iran reserves the right to retaliate "at a time and place of our choosing." Analysts fear possible responses could include:
Direct missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, or the Gulf
Proxy attacks via Hezbollah, Hamas, or Houthi rebels
Mining the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil shipments
Cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure
The IRGC has reportedly been placed on highest alert, and unconfirmed reports suggest missile batteries along Iran’s coast have been activated.
Global Reactions: Condemnation and Calls for Restraint
The international response has been sharply divided:
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres urged "maximum restraint" and called for an emergency Security Council meeting.
Russia & China: Both nations condemned the U.S. strikes as "illegal aggression" and warned of destabilizing consequences.
European Union: Germany and France expressed concern, while the UK offered cautious support for the U.S. action.
Middle East Allies: Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE privately backed the operation, though they stopped short of public statements.
Oil prices surged by 9% following the news, with Brent crude surpassing $120 per barrel—raising fears of an economic shockwave.
Political Fallout in Washington
The Biden administration faces intense scrutiny over the decision to strike Iran. While Republicans largely praised the move, some Democrats and anti-war activists criticized the escalation.
Supporters: "Finally, a strong response to Iran’s provocations," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Critics: "This could drag us into another endless war," warned Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).
Congress was not consulted before the operation, reigniting debates over presidential war powers.
What Happens Next?
The region now stands on a knife’s edge. Possible scenarios include:
Contained Conflict: Iran may limit retaliation to symbolic strikes, avoiding all-out war.
Proxy Escalation: Increased attacks on U.S. troops via Iraqi militias or Yemen’s Houthis.
Full-Blown War: If Iran directly strikes Israel or Gulf states, a wider conflict becomes likely.
The U.S. has deployed additional warships and fighter squadrons to the region, signaling readiness for further action.
Conclusion: A Dangerous New Phase
Today’s strikes mark the most direct U.S. military engagement with Iran since the 2020 assassination of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. With both sides vowing retaliation, the risk of uncontrolled escalation is higher than ever.
As the world watches anxiously, the coming days will determine whether diplomacy can prevent a full-scale war—or if the Middle East is headed toward its most destructive conflict in decades.
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