Iran has launched fresh attacks on United States military bases across the Gulf, escalating tensions with Washington as both countries exchanged overnight strikes despite recent efforts to revive peace talks.
Tehran said its latest operation targeted US military facilities and strategic installations in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, while the US military confirmed carrying out a six-hour wave of airstrikes against multiple sites across Iran.
The renewed hostilities come just weeks after both countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions, with the fragile agreement now appearing to be under severe strain.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran that it had “better behave” or face further military action if it refused to return to negotiations.
Trump had earlier threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure should Tehran continue to reject diplomatic efforts.
However, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, insisted the country had “no reason” to honour any agreement that did not serve its interests.
He said Iran’s national security depended on maintaining what he described as its own security arrangements in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck command centres, air defence systems and coastal surveillance facilities in several locations, including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island, in an operation aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several areas, including Tehran, where air defence systems were activated.
Shortly after the US strikes, Gulf states reported fresh attacks.
Kuwait’s military said it intercepted several drones, while Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter.
Iran also claimed responsibility for attacks on US communication facilities and fuel storage sites in Jordan.
The fighting has further heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The waterway remains effectively closed after Iran blocked access following earlier US and Israeli strikes.
Washington has since reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, reversing a concession granted under last month’s memorandum of understanding.
In a further escalation, US forces disabled an empty oil tanker flying the Curacao flag after accusing it of attempting to enter a blockaded Iranian port.
Reacting to the renewed blockade, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the United States should expect additional disruptions to oil and gas export routes serving American interests and those of its allies.
The latest military exchanges have intensified fears over global energy supplies, with oil prices climbing sharply as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
