The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, hitting more than 90 targets across the country, as President Donald Trump warned that the conflict could escalate further. The attacks mark a significant escalation in hostilities, with Iran retaliating by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in the early hours of Thursday.
US strikes target Revolutionary Guard boats
US Central Command stated that the strikes were intended to undermine Iran's capacity "to threaten freedom of navigation" through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirmed that the targets included more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian state media reported explosions in Bushehr, home to Iran's nuclear power plant complex, as well as in the southern ports of Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik. A railway bridge in Golestan province was also reportedly struck, and the Revolutionary Guard confirmed that two bridges had been attacked.
Iran retaliates against Gulf states
In response, Iran launched attacks on Bahrain, which houses the US Navy's 5th Fleet, as well as Kuwait and Qatar. Air raid sirens sounded in these countries, and Kuwait confirmed it was intercepting drones and missiles. The exchange of fire threatens to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil and gas supplies.
Trump's warning and ceasefire status
President Trump reshared on his Truth Social platform an image of buildings ablaze in Iran, accompanied by the message: "This is retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships. If it happens again, it will get much worse." Asked about the interim ceasefire agreement, Trump said: "I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them any more. They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people and they're vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they'd use it." He indicated he would allow negotiations to proceed but expressed doubt about Iran's willingness to honor any deal.
Iranian officials respond
Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X that Trump's comments "are not a sign of power but an admission of the failure." Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said: "The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don't fold."
UK urges return to ceasefire
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged a return to the ceasefire and cautioned that British household bills would likely be affected unless conditions improved. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with Iran continuing to assert control over the channel, including demanding vessels seek authorisation to pass through and raising the possibility of future tolls.
