Iran vows ‘decisive response’ after US strikes deepen Middle East tensions

Iran vowed a “decisive response” after US strikes on its territory as tensions surged again around the Strait of Hormuz, state-linked media reported on Monday.

What happened

Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck two US military air bases in Jordan with ballistic missiles, causing “heavy damage.” Jordan’s army said it had intercepted eight missiles, without giving their origin.

The IRGC statement described the attack on Jordanian bases as retaliation for US strikes on Iranian positions the previous day.

US actions and stated aims

The United States said it had attacked Iranian rocket launchers on a small island in the strategic shipping lane, saying the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from placing more sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. A US official quoted in the report said clearing of sea mines from international shipping routes in the strait had recently been completed.

Leadership response

“We are not seeking war, but we will deliver a decisive response to the aggressors,”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a statement quoted by state television. The report said Pezeshkian made the remarks before travelling to Kyrgyzstan for a summit attended by other leaders.