The strikes were launched in response to an attempted missile attack targeting an American base in Jordan. The strikes came took place after US President Donald Trump vowed to hit back "hard" at Iran. "The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East," US Central Command noted, noting the attacks began at 8 pm (0000 GMT). The conflict has also spread beyond Iran, with reports of attacks targeting Egypt's strategic infrastructure. Both sides are continuing to exchange missile strikes and drone attacks at each other and prospects for renewed talks remain dim, officials said.