Donald Trump ordered another wave of attacks on Iran, escalating the conflict as hopes for a ceasefire fade. The US military launched a seven-hour blitz, striking dozens of targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have destroyed facilities at the US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain in a crushing response. Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain, but the US military has not commented on the claims. Tehran has often made false claims about targeting American bases.
Details of the US Attacks
US Central Command said fighter jets, drones, and naval assets attacked Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems. The attacks were carried out to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews. This represents the fourth consecutive day of exchanges between the two countries.
Iranian state media reported strikes on the city of Bushehr, where the regime's only working nuclear plant is located, and on Qeshm Island. The assaults came shortly after US forces resumed blockading Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Trump reversing his plan for a 20% levy on all cargo through the key trade route.
Iran's Response and Threats
Iran has increased attacks on US allies and commercial shipping in the region, causing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to plummet. The Revolutionary Guard has claimed the waterway will remain closed until the end of America's evils. They also alleged strikes on a US logistics facility in Kuwait's Mina Abdullah and a US base in Jordan.
Trump has threatened to strike Iranian civil infrastructure, warning: Next week it gets really bad for them. He told Fox News: We're going to knock out all their power plants. We're going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.
Interim Deal in Jeopardy
The US and Iran last month signed an interim memorandum of understanding to end the war, committing to further talks over 60 days. That period is now about halfway through, but the latest attacks threaten to derail the fragile agreement.
