WASHINGTON – The United States launched a massive wave of retaliatory airstrikes against Iran on Thursday, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East after Tehran targeted American military bases in Jordan. The latest military operation came after US President Donald Trump vowed a forceful response to Iran’s missile attacks on American installations in Jordan. On Wednesday, the United States and Saudi Arabia also carried out joint military strikes against militant positions in Iraq. The ongoing conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory. Tehran responded with missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting American military bases.