WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — The United States and Iran exchanged a second consecutive day of military strikes on Thursday, sharply escalating tensions across the Gulf region and raising concerns over the future of a fragile ceasefire agreement.
The latest confrontation began after Washington launched attacks on around 90 Iranian military targets, while Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes against US-linked military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The escalation has placed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, at the center of a growing international crisis.
US Launches Major Strikes on Iranian Military Sites
The US military said the latest operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and restrict freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted approximately 90 locations connected to Iran’s military capabilities, including:
- Air defense systems
- Coastal surveillance facilities
- Missile and drone storage locations
- Naval infrastructure
- Military logistics sites along Iran’s coastline
President Donald Trump described the strikes as retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
“This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
US officials said the latest operation involved a larger number of targets compared with previous strikes carried out earlier in the week.
Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian state media reported explosions in several strategic areas across southern Iran, including major coastal and military locations.
Cities and areas reportedly affected included:
- Bandar Abbas
- Chabahar
- Jask
- Sirik
- Bushehr
- Iranshahr
- Qeshm Island
- Abu Musa Island
Iranian officials said air defense systems were activated in Bandar Abbas after multiple explosions were reported.
Authorities reported damage to infrastructure in Chabahar, including docks, a maritime control tower, and logistics facilities. Officials also said electricity disruptions occurred in some areas after damage to transmission lines.
In Iranshahr, Iranian media reported that a military-related facility near an airport was hit, resulting in at least one firefighter being killed and others injured.
Iranian authorities also said strikes near Bushehr did not damage the country’s nuclear power facility.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases
Following the American attacks, Iran launched missile and drone operations targeting US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its forces targeted several American-linked facilities, including:
- Camp Arifjan in Kuwait
- Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait
- Juffair Naval Base in Bahrain
- Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain
Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones.
Bahrain reported explosions in the capital, Manama, and activated emergency warning systems. Qatar also briefly raised its security alert level before later announcing that the situation had stabilized.
The IRGC described the attacks as the beginning of a “punitive response” and warned that additional US military action would lead to wider retaliation across the region.
Trump Declares Iran Deal “Over”
The latest fighting followed Trump’s statement that the June memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran was effectively no longer active.
Speaking during the NATO summit in Türkiye, Trump said he considered the agreement finished.
“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” he said.
Trump accused Iran of repeatedly violating the arrangement but added that he did not expect a prolonged conflict.
“Anything that happens is going to be over very quickly,” he said.
The president again emphasized that Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and warned that additional strikes could follow if necessary.
Iran Warns of Wider Retaliation
Iranian officials responded strongly to the US strikes, accusing Washington of violating the June agreement and international law.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that further attacks would bring additional consequences.
“If you strike, you will be struck back,” he said in a statement on X.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also rejected Trump’s comments, saying Tehran would respond through action rather than words.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations submitted a formal complaint to the UN Security Council, accusing the United States of violating the UN Charter and breaching the bilateral agreement.
Oil Markets React to Gulf Instability
The renewed military confrontation immediately affected global energy markets.
Brent crude prices increased by around 1%, reaching nearly $78.80 per barrel, as traders monitored the possibility of further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway handles roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, making any military escalation there a major concern for energy markets, shipping companies, and governments worldwide.
Ceasefire Agreement Faces Biggest Test Yet
The June 17 memorandum had established a 60-day ceasefire period aimed at ending the conflict, securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and creating a path toward broader negotiations.
However, the latest exchange of strikes represents the most serious challenge to the agreement since it was signed.
With Washington and Tehran trading accusations and military actions continuing, international efforts to restore diplomatic engagement face growing uncertainty.
