The United States military has launched a new wave of airstrikes on Iran, intensifying tensions in the Middle East and triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on Kuwait and Bahrain, both of which host major US military facilities.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after three commercial cargo ships were attacked while passing through the strategic waterway. US officials described the operation as a response to what they called Iranian aggression against international shipping.
The latest military action followed comments by US President Donald Trump, who said he believed the temporary ceasefire with Iran was effectively over. Trump warned that any further attacks on commercial vessels would result in a stronger military response, saying Iran would face even more severe consequences if hostilities continued.
Iranian media reported explosions across several coastal cities, including Bandar Abbas, Konarak, and Chabahar. Some areas experienced temporary power outages after the strikes, while local reports said a maritime traffic control tower in Chabahar and facilities near Bandar Abbas were damaged. A firefighter was also reported killed during an attack near Iranshahr Airport.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that air defense systems intercepted several incoming threats, while neighboring Qatar briefly raised its security alert before later announcing that the situation had stabilized.
Iranian officials condemned the US operation, arguing that it violated the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which sought to reduce tensions and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also submitted a formal complaint to the United Nations Security Council, accusing Washington of violating international law.
The renewed confrontation has increased concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies. Oil prices moved higher following the escalation, while international observers warned that continued military exchanges could further disrupt shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
