Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Thursday after American forces carried out a second consecutive day of strikes inside Iran, while Tehran claimed retaliatory attacks against US military facilities in the Gulf. The latest exchange has intensified fears that the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year could collapse, increasing the risk of a broader regional conflict.
US Strikes Multiple Targets Across Iran
The latest US military operation came after President Donald Trump accused Iran of slowing negotiations aimed at reaching a temporary peace agreement. Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” if talks continued to stall.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted several military-related sites across Iran during the operation. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said, “CENTCOM forces launched strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defence sites across Iran.”
The US military said the operation was intended to neutralize facilities that posed threats to American personnel and commercial vessels operating in regional waters.
CENTCOM added that US forces “fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters” in “response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”
The command further emphasized that “US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready.” Iranian media reported explosions in several locations, including Karaj, following the strikes.
Iran Claims Retaliatory Attacks on US Bases
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched retaliatory operations against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
According to a statement carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC claimed that 18 American military targets were struck during two waves of attacks.
The statement said, “During two waves of operations, eighteen important targets belonging to the US Army in the bases of Ali and Ahmad Ahmad Air Force (were hit).” Iran also claimed that its forces “hit and destroyed Sheikh Isa air bases”.
However, there has been no independent confirmation from US, Bahraini, or Kuwaiti authorities regarding the extent of the damage claimed by Tehran. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry confirmed that warning sirens were activated as security agencies monitored the developing situation.
Kuwait Closes Airspace Amid Rising Security Concerns
The escalating confrontation prompted Kuwait to temporarily shut its airspace and divert flights as a precautionary measure. The Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority said the decision was taken in response to the growing security threat following the Iranian attacks.Earlier, Kuwait’s military announced that its air defence systems had been activated to engage potential aerial threats.
In a statement posted on X, the military said, “The General Staff of the Army announces that air defense systems are currently engaging hostile aerial targets in accordance with established operational procedures.” The developments highlighted the heightened state of alert across Gulf nations amid fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Iran Warns Over Strait of Hormuz
Iranian military leaders also issued fresh warnings concerning the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and a key channel for global oil shipments. Senior commanders warned that vessels attempting to move through the strategic waterway could become targets if tensions continue to escalate.
The threat has increased concerns about global energy supplies, as nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade normally passes through the narrow strait.
IRGC Commander Threatens Wider Regional Response
Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, warned that Iran would respond across West Asia if the Strait of Hormuz was made unsafe. According to Iran International, Mousavi said, “We will bring the region into hell for you from across Iran if you make the sacred Strait of Hormuz unsafe.” The warning underscored Iran’s determination to defend its strategic interests and signaled the possibility of further military escalation.
Trump Criticizes Iran as Diplomacy Continues
The second day of US strikes followed Trump’s criticism of Iranian negotiators, whom he accused of deliberately delaying discussions.
The US president said Iranian representatives were “playing us for suckers.” Only days earlier, Trump had suggested that a peace agreement could be reached quickly, but the latest military exchanges have cast doubt over those hopes.
At the same time, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against a return to “full war” and urged all sides to exercise restraint. Despite the renewed violence, diplomatic efforts remain underway.
A diplomat familiar with the negotiations told AFP that Qatari mediators had traveled to Tehran “to meet with the Iranians in an effort to bridge the remaining gaps.”
Nuclear Dispute Remains a Major Obstacle
One of the central issues in negotiations remains Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Washington continues to insist that Tehran give up its enriched uranium reserves as part of any future agreement. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Tehran has also said that any deal designed to end the conflict must include an end to fighting between its ally Hezbollah and Israel. Meanwhile, Israel has intensified military operations against the Lebanon-based group, adding another layer of complexity to diplomatic efforts.
Energy Markets Under Pressure
The growing conflict is already affecting global energy markets. Oil prices have climbed amid concerns that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global supplies. The strategic waterway handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments, making it one of the most important routes for international energy trade.
As military exchanges continue and diplomatic efforts struggle to gain momentum, fears are mounting that the crisis could expand beyond the United States and Iran, threatening regional stability and placing additional pressure on the global economy.
