The United States resumed its military campaign against Iran early Thursday, launching a new wave of strikes across southern parts of the country just days after a temporary pause in hostilities, in a move that further escalated tensions in the region.

The renewed attacks came after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had carried out a ballistic missile operation targeting a US military base and the headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Jordan in retaliation for previous American attacks on Iranian territory.

US Central Command confirmed that American forces had begun fresh strikes against Iran, describing the operation as a response to what it claimed were "attempted Iranian attacks" on US forces stationed in the region.

"These strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East," CENTCOM said in a statement.

According to Axios, US President Donald Trump personally ordered the resumption of military operations after telling reporters earlier Wednesday that Washington would strike Iran "very hard."

"It's our turn," Trump was quoted as saying.

The renewed offensive followed a five-day pause after nearly two weeks of continuous US airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The suspension had raised hopes that diplomatic efforts, including mediation led by Oman, could help prevent further escalation.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its Aerospace Force launched ballistic missiles against a US airbase and CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan as a direct response to repeated American military aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In a statement, the IRGC said the operation targeted American military positions and warned that resistance would continue for as long as the United States persisted in threatening Iran's sovereignty and security.

The IRGC described the missile strike as a legitimate act of self-defense against ongoing US attacks.

Following the US attacks, explosions were reported across several provinces in southern Iran.

Iranian state television said blasts were heard in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, adding that Iranian air defense systems were actively responding to incoming threats.

Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island, Kish Island, Abu Musa Island, and surrounding maritime areas.

According to Tasnim News Agency, several explosions rocked Qeshm Island, where one US missile struck a residential neighborhood.

Officials in Hormozgan Province said the attack hit a family home, triggering rescue operations for civilians trapped beneath the rubble.

Later, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences confirmed that three civilians, including one child, were killed, while two other children were injured in the strike.

Emergency teams continued search-and-rescue efforts at the scene amid concerns that additional victims remained trapped.

Further attacks were reported in Khuzestan Province, where officials said missile strikes targeted areas near Ahvaz, Shadegan, Abadan, and Arvand Kenar.

In neighboring Bushehr Province, local authorities reported airstrikes around the outskirts of Bushehr, Jam, and Khormuj. While no casualties were immediately reported there, residents described hearing multiple powerful explosions.

Iranian media also reported additional explosions on Kish Island as the US bombardment expanded.

Iranian media characterized the latest attacks as a continuation of Washington's military aggression against the Islamic Republic despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

According to Tasnim News Agency, US missiles continued to be launched intensively from military facilities in Kuwait toward Iranian territory during the operation.

Iranian officials said the attacks once again demonstrated Washington's willingness to expand military operations despite repeated Iranian warnings that any assault on the country's sovereignty would be met with a firm response.

The latest escalation comes amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict, as exchanges of missile strikes between Iran and the United States continue to intensify across the Middle East.

Iranian authorities have vowed that the country's Armed Forces remain fully prepared to defend the nation's territorial integrity and respond decisively to any further acts of aggression targeting the Islamic Republic or its people. (ILKHA)