WASHINGTON — The figure that matters: three American service members killed, 34 wounded, and the first direct U.S. military strikes on Iranian soil since the 2020 killing of Qasem Soleimani. The bottom line: The United States Central Command confirmed on February 2, 2025, that U.S. forces conducted a series of strikes against targets in Iran, authorized by President Donald Trump and directed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The operation was a direct response to the January 28, 2025, attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq that killed three American service members and wounded 34 others. The U.S. attributed that attack to Iranian-backed militia groups.
By the numbers, the strikes targeted Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities and weapons storage sites in the provinces of Isfahan and Khuzestan. CENTCOM confirmed the use of B-52 bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf. Iranian state media reported explosions in the cities of Isfahan and Ahvaz but provided no immediate casualty figures.
Investors will note the strategic calculus: The U.S. military stated the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to conduct future attacks against U.S. forces and allies. The Department of Defense emphasized that the operation was limited in scope and aimed at preventing a broader regional war.
This marks the first direct U.S. military action against Iran since the 2020 drone strike that killed IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.
The Chain of Command
President Trump authorized the operation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed its execution. CENTCOM announced the strikes on February 2, 2025.
The January 28 attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq — killing three and wounding 34 — was the proximate cause. The U.S. government explicitly blamed Iranian-backed militia groups for that attack.
The retaliatory strikes hit IRGC facilities and weapons storage sites in Isfahan and Khuzestan provinces. B-52 bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles from Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf delivered the payloads.
International Reaction
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on February 3, 2025, to discuss the escalation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and warned of retaliation. The U.S. Department of Defense stated the strikes were limited in scope and aimed at preventing a broader regional war.
No further U.S. military action against Iran has been announced since the February 2 operation.
What to Watch
The key question for investors and analysts: Will Iran retaliate, and will the response trigger further escalation? The Security Council emergency session on February 3 underscores the international concern. Iran’s warning of retaliation remains on the table.
The U.S. has signaled it considers the matter closed for now, but the region remains on edge.
