The United States resumed airstrikes inside Iran after what it described as Tehran’s attempted surprise ballistic-missile attack on American forces in the Middle East. The response marks a renewed escalation in tensions, while an Iran expert warned that the government may be increasingly prepared to challenge Washington despite weakened military capabilities.

US Central Command said the strikes were a response to the previous day’s attempted Iranian attack, according to the Associated Press. The article also links the episode to a wider concern that Iran’s greater risk tolerance could lead to further missile and drone attacks unless deterrence is strengthened.