U.S STRIKES HIT IRAN AS TEHRAN RETALIATES WITH MISSILES AND DRONES ACROSS THE REGION. (PHOTO).

 U.S strikes hit Iran as Tehran retaliates with missiles and drones across the region

The U.S. military carried out another round of strikes against targets in Iran on Tuesday as Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against locations across the region, escalating a conflict that has continued intermittently for more than six months.

U.S. Central Command said the latest strikes targeted Iranian air defense positions, radar systems and maritime assets. The attacks came just two days after U.S. forces resumed military operations following a month-long pause, raising concerns that the renewed fighting could develop into a broader regional conflict. The escalation has also contributed to a sharp increase in global oil prices and created political challenges for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday night that he was not interested in forcing Iran into negotiations, arguing that the United States currently holds a stronger position. Earlier in the day, Trump warned Iran that any retaliation would bring another round of strikes at a significantly greater level.

Trump said the U.S. attacks were partly aimed at Iranian radar systems that Tehran had been attempting to rebuild. U.S. Central Command said the broader strikes came in response to Iranian efforts to target commercial shipping and American forces throughout the Middle East.

Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles toward Jordan. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the missiles were aimed at a U.S. military facility near the Gulf of Aqaba. Jordan's military said it intercepted 10 missiles, while three others landed in unpopulated areas. Explosions believed to be missile interceptions were reported over Aqaba.

Iranian authorities also accused the United States of striking civilian locations along the country's southern coast, including an airport. In Kuhestak, a U.S. strike reportedly hit a home where a wedding was taking place, killing five people, including a child, and injuring at least 68 others.

Iranian officials condemned the attack and warned that the United States would face consequences. U.S. military officials acknowledged reports of civilian casualties but disputed responsibility for intentionally targeting civilians, saying the reports came from Iranian state media.

Kuwait also reported intercepting Iranian drones, while Bahrain said it had intercepted attacks directed at U.S. forces on its territory.

Iran's military leadership warned that the latest attacks would be met with what it described as devastating retaliation. Iranian officials also said the renewed strikes had strengthened the country's determination to maintain pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world's oil normally passes.

Explosions were reported in several areas along Iran's southern coast, including Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. Iranian reports said strikes damaged a fishmeal factory, a fishing pier and a maritime authority tower in Sirik. Authorities also reported that a projectile struck outside the runway at civilian Jiroft Airport, causing no casualties or damage to airport infrastructure.

Iran's electricity grid operator reported damage to portions of the power network in Hormozgan province and said crews were working to restore service.

The fighting has intensified concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, which both Washington and Tehran are seeking to control. Iran effectively closed the waterway after the conflict began, threatening a major global oil supply route.

Oil prices have climbed sharply since the fighting resumed. Crude prices, already up about 7% for the week, continued rising after Tuesday's strikes. Oil has gained more than 50% this year, pushing gasoline prices higher in the United States. The national average for regular gasoline reached about $4.10 per gallon, compared with $3.19 at the same time last year.

The renewed military action comes after the Trump administration had shifted toward economic pressure, seeking to force Tehran toward concessions through sanctions rather than continued military operations. The latest strikes are occurring as concerns grow over U.S. supplies of advanced missile interceptors and opposition to the war among some Americans.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said earlier Tuesday that Tehran was willing to return to an interim ceasefire agreement reached with the United States in June if Washington also honored its commitments. That agreement called for an immediate halt to fighting and a 60-day period of negotiations toward a broader deal, but the arrangement later collapsed.

The United States carried out additional strikes Sunday, targeting Iranian rocket launchers that American officials said could be used to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by firing missiles toward U.S. positions in Jordan, while the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting an Iranian drone.

With both sides continuing to exchange attacks, the United States has characterized the renewed military campaign as limited while warning that further action could follow if Iran continues attacking American forces and commercial shipping.