WASHINGTON — The United States military conducted targeted strikes against facilities linked to Iranian-backed forces, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday, marking a sharp escalation in response to recent attacks on U.S. personnel and assets.
The overnight strikes targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities that fund and train proxy militias across the Middle East. U.S. Central Command said the operations caused significant damage to command centers, logistics hubs and weapons storage sites used to plan drone and rocket attacks on American forces in the Gulf.
President Donald Trump has maintained a policy of zero tolerance for attacks on American forces, and the strikes signal the administration's willingness to respond directly to Iranian proxy operations that have increased their operational tempo in recent weeks.
The military action immediately sent Brent crude futures up 0.8 percent in early trading as investors priced in increased risk to oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6 percent.
The Treasury Department is accelerating review of new sanctions against Iranian financial networks and Revolutionary Guard-affiliated entities, targeting shipping companies and banks that facilitate arms transfers. The economic pressure campaign runs parallel to military action, aiming to cut funding for proxy operations.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session this week to discuss regional implications of the strikes. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to brief Congress Thursday on the administration's next steps and diplomatic efforts to isolate Iran while avoiding broader regional conflict.
