US Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iranian Targets
The United States military carried out strikes on more than 100 sites in Iran overnight, following a missile attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command reported hitting approximately 140 targets, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots, and communication equipment.
The strikes come amid escalating tensions in the region, with Iran also launching attacks on targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The container ship, a Cyprus-flagged vessel, was hit by an Iranian missile, forcing the crew to abandon ship as it caught fire. A civilian crew member remains missing, and all crew members are Indian nationals, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Trump Boasts of Military Action
Former President Donald Trump, who initiated the conflict in February alongside Israel, boasted about the strikes in an interview with NBC's Meet the Press. 'We bombed the hell out of them last night,' he said. The conflict, now in its sixth month, has shown no signs of de-escalation despite an interim 60-day period intended to reach a peace deal.
International Reactions and Concerns
Labour minister Sir Chris Bryant criticized the approach, stating, 'It's a bit daft to go into a war if you don't know how you're going to get out of it.' He expressed concern about global economic security due to the situation in the Gulf and called for de-escalation and negotiation.
The US insists the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which 20% of the world's oil and natural gas passes, remains open. However, Iran disagrees. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament, responded on X: 'The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.'
India Condemns Attack on Its Citizens
India condemned the attack on the container ship and confirmed it is working with Oman on a search-and-rescue operation for the missing crew member. The Indian government called for 'free and unimpeded' navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command stated that the latest strikes 'degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait.' The situation remains volatile, with no clear path to resolution.
