The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified once again as both sides carried out fresh military operations across the Middle East, despite earlier efforts to ease tensions.
Iran announced that it had launched attacks targeting US military facilities in several neighboring Gulf countries, including Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. The strikes came as renewed fighting entered its sixth day, placing growing strain on the preliminary agreement that had aimed to reduce hostilities.
At the same time, the US military confirmed it had conducted a series of overnight airstrikes on multiple locations across Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation lasted several hours and focused on weakening Iran’s military capabilities and reducing potential threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest escalation follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who warned that Iran must return to negotiations or face additional military action. Earlier, Trump also threatened possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if diplomatic efforts failed.
Iran, however, signaled that it was unwilling to accept any agreement that did not serve its national interests. Senior Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran had no reason to honor arrangements it considered unfavorable, adding that protecting Iran’s security remained the country’s top priority.
According to the US military, its latest strikes targeted command centers, air defense systems and coastal surveillance facilities in several locations, including Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island. Iranian state media reported explosions in different parts of the country, with air defense systems activated in the capital, Tehran.
Iranian officials also said a children’s cancer treatment center in Ahvaz had been evacuated after nearby military strikes raised safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Gulf states reported security incidents linked to the latest exchange of attacks. Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted drones, while Bahrain urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter as a precaution.
Iran’s military also claimed responsibility for attacks on US communication systems and fuel storage facilities in Jordan, although the extent of the reported damage has not been independently confirmed.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the growing dispute. The strategic waterway, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, has faced major disruptions as tensions continue to rise.
The United States recently reinstated restrictions on Iranian ports after previously easing them under a memorandum of understanding reached last month. US forces also reported intercepting an oil tanker they said was attempting to approach a blockaded Iranian port.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that additional oil and gas export routes serving US interests and those of its allies could also face disruption if the situation continues to deteriorate.
The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to higher global oil prices, with shipping traffic through the vital corridor slowing significantly due to security concerns.
Despite the ongoing military confrontation, a diplomatic development emerged when Iran released an American citizen who had been detained since December 2024. President Trump welcomed the move, describing it as a gesture of goodwill.
The released American, Dena Karari, was reported to be returning to the United States, according to her legal representative.
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