Dubai, July 9: The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on military and strategic targets across Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, marking a sharp escalation in tensions and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The strikes came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that a fragile interim ceasefire had effectively ended following recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military’s Central Command said it struck around 90 targets, including missile launchers, military facilities and port infrastructure, describing the operation as an effort to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten maritime navigation.
Iran responded by launching attacks towards Bahrain and Kuwait, while Kuwaiti authorities said their military was intercepting incoming drones and missiles. Air raid sirens also sounded in Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Konarak and Sirik. A firefighter was reportedly killed in a strike on an airport in Iranshahr. State media also said bridges in northeastern Iran were targeted.
Trump warned that any further attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a much stronger US response and suggested military operations could intensify if necessary.
The renewed hostilities have cast serious doubt over ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent peace agreement, with analysts warning that a prolonged conflict could once again disrupt global energy supplies passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (Agencies)
