US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified further on Thursday, July 9, with reports suggesting Washington is preparing for a military campaign that could last from several days to multiple weeks, depending on Tehran’s actions. According to an Axios report citing US officials, the White House is planning for a prolonged confrontation after the fragile ceasefire collapsed following Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation came after Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting another round of American airstrikes across Iran.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: US Strikes Around 90 Iranian Military Targets
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting around 90 military sites across Iran. The operation focused on air defence systems, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance assets, naval capabilities and logistics infrastructure along Iran’s southern coastline. CENTCOM also released footage showing strikes on what appeared to be an airport runway and missile launch systems. In a statement, the military said, “US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief.” US officials said the objective was to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases in Bahrain and Kuwait
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at several US military installations in the Gulf. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Arifjan Base and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, along with Juffair Naval Base and Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The IRGC warned that its military response would expand if the United States continued its attacks. Kuwait’s military said its air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens. Authorities did not immediately report significant damage or casualties.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Explosions Reported Across Southern Iran
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions following the US strikes, including in Bushehr, home to the country’s nuclear power complex, as well as Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Konarak and Sirik. The reported attacks highlighted the widening geographical scope of the conflict as both countries intensified military operations.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Donald Trump Says Ceasefire Is “Over”
US President Donald Trump said Iran’s recent attacks on commercial shipping effectively ended the temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. After leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump shared videos on social media that he said showed explosions inside Iran. He wrote, “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!” Earlier, he indicated the operation would be swift, saying, “Anything that happens is going to happen very fast,” before adding that the United States could “just finish the job.” Trump also renewed warnings that Washington could target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power facilities, desalination plants and Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Trump Claims Iran Wants a Deal
Speaking aboard Air Force One after arriving at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, Trump claimed Tehran was eager to resume negotiations despite the ongoing conflict. He said, “We have already won militarily. They have very little left… They called a little while ago. They want to make a deal so badly. I just don’t know if they’re worthy of making a deal. I don’t know that they’re going to honour the deal.” Referring to Iran’s recent actions, he added, “They are sort of crazy… They’re a little bit out of control. But they want to make a deal. Badly.” Trump also warned, “When they hit, we hit back much harder.”
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Vows More Retaliation and Rejects US Warnings
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would respond “with action: fearlessly and with great valor.” Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf defended Iran’s military response in a post on X, writing, “America still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: if you strike, you’ll get hit.” The comments signalled that Iran is prepared for further confrontation if US military operations continue.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Criticises NATO Support for US Military Action
Iran also criticised NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after he described the latest US strikes as “absolutely necessary.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused European countries of assisting Washington during the conflict. In a post on X, he said, “Mark Rutte’s repeated admissions of Europe’s willful complicity in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran only confirms, once again, that they were not impartial in this brutal unlawful aggression.” He further argued that countries providing military bases and infrastructure for the operation could not avoid responsibility for the consequences of the conflict.
