The United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Tuesday, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps positions inside the country, as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued an urgent security warning to Americans across the Middle East to prepare for possible further escalation.

Explosions were reported in several locations in southern Iran, including the port city of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island, before U.S. Central Command publicly confirmed that American forces were carrying out the attacks.

“Today at 12 p.m. ET, U.S. forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran. 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,” CENTCOM said.

The renewed American strikes come following a series of Iranian attacks and attempted attacks against U.S. forces and commercial shipping in and around the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan late Sunday night, in retaliation for earlier American strikes against Iranian military assets that Washington said were preparing to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran said those U.S. strikes killed two people and wounded several others.

Iran also launched several missiles and a drone toward the United Arab Emirates, although no damage was reported.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Iran has attacked eight commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since a blockade targeting ships sailing to or from Iranian ports resumed on July 14. Four of those attacks reportedly occurred since last Monday.

The latest American military action came shortly after the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert warning Americans throughout the region to “exercise heightened vigilance” because of rising tensions and the possibility of further escalation.

The Embassy warned that the situation could result in flight cancellations, airspace closures and other significant travel disruptions, urging Americans to check directly with airlines and closely monitor airport operations.

The alert also warned that Iran and groups supportive of Tehran could target American interests overseas, including locations associated with the United States and Americans, as well as U.S. businesses and other institutions.

Americans were urged to remain alert, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, know the location of their nearest shelter and monitor official security alerts.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and its Tel Aviv branch office remain open for routine and emergency consular services.

The situation remains developing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)