US Strikes Iran After Base Attack in Jordan

The United States military launched a series of airstrikes across southern Iran on February 13, 2026, targeting infrastructure in Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces. Donald Trump authorized the strikes to punish an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan that killed two American service members and to degrade Iran's ability to restrict oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes hit electricity and desalination plants near Sirik, Hajiabad, and Qeshm Island.

In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of "unforgettable lessons" and suspended commitments to an interim peace deal. Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani added that Iran would respond to "acts of adventurism" in a decisive manner, explicitly labeling the country's missile systems as a red line that is not up for negotiation.

Simultaneously, the Iranian government intensified a domestic crackdown, arresting seven prominent reformist politicians from the Reformists Front. The judiciary accused the politicians of supporting the U.S. and Israel following deadly January protests that may have killed over 18,000 people.

Despite the escalation, indirect nuclear talks resumed in Muscat, Oman. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi noted that while a new nuclear inspection regime is technically possible, it remains difficult as inspectors still lack access to sites bombed by U.S. and Israeli forces in June 2025. President Trump responded to the tensions by mentioning the deployment of another aircraft carrier strike group.