The United States launched a second round of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, following President Donald Trump's vow to 'hit them hard again'. Iran retaliated with strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, escalating a conflict that threatens to unravel a two-month-old ceasefire.
Explosions were reported across Iran, including in the capital Tehran, the port city of Bandar Abbas, and other southern areas near the Strait of Hormuz. The US assault appeared more intense than the previous day, but Iran released no information about what was hit. Kuwait closed its airspace due to the attack, while Jordan did not acknowledge it and Bahrain sounded missile alert sirens.
The back-and-forth strikes began with attacks between Iran and Israel on Sunday, followed by two rounds of US-Iranian fire. The US military described its actions as a 'proportional response' to the downing of an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump blamed on Iran. US Central Command stated the strikes were in response to Iran's 'unwarranted and continued aggression'.
Trump accused Iranian negotiators of 'playing us for suckers', claiming a peace deal was imminent but stalled by Tehran's delays. He also asserted the US had been extracting millions of barrels of oil from Iran nightly, keeping global prices at $85-$90 per barrel. Iranian state media said earlier US strikes hit two reservoirs in southern Iran, leaving 20,000 residents without water.
Talks to solidify the ceasefire have stalled for weeks, with periodic flare-ups and mutual accusations of truce violations. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said US strikes jeopardised negotiations. A Qatari delegation landed in Tehran on Wednesday to mediate, as regional efforts to de-escalate tensions continue.
Trump, facing midterm elections amid rising inflation and low approval ratings, is keen for a peace deal. However, significant gaps remain: Iran seeks sanctions relief, asset unfreezing, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump insists any deal must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
