U.S. strikes IRGC targets near Strait of Hormuz; Trump warns of harsher attacks

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(The Center Square) – The U.S. military began strikes on Iran Tuesday afternoon in response to recent “attempted” attacks carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, U.S. Central Command announced.

In a brief social media post, CENTCOM confirmed American forces began striking IRGC targets in Iran, starting at noon ET, Tuesday.

“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,” according to CENTCOM.

In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump described the attacks as “large and powerful,” warning that more severe strikes could be coming if Iran continues attacks.

“The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has not mines (they have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our military base in Jordan,” the president wrote. “If the failed nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!”

In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump declared, “Iran is officially a failed nation. It is dead.”

In a separate post, the president posted what appears to be an AI-generated video showing Iran’s Kharg Island “being blown to smithereens” following Iran’s latest round of attacks.

The president added that Iran is dealing with 300% inflation and is unable to pay its military and police.

Videos circulating on social media claiming to be taken inside Iran show miles-long lines for gas, as the U.S. continues to enforce a full naval blockade on Iranian ports. The Trump administration claims the blockade is costing the Islamic Republic between $400 million and $500 million in economic losses a day, coupled with intense sanctions meant to squeeze the country financially.

The latest rounds of strikes come as the U.S. State Department issued a warning to American citizens in the Middle East, cautioning Americans to “exercise heightened vigilance.” The alert told Americans in the region to be “aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions,” the alert added.

The Pentagon says it has spent nearly $40 billion on military operations in Iran, though many independent analyses estimate the true amount is at least double, since the conflict began Feb. 28.