The United States carried out military strikes against Iran early on Sunday after an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, further increasing tensions across the Middle East.
According to US Central Command, American forces targeted around 140 locations across Iran. The strikes focused on missile and drone launch sites, ammunition storage facilities, communication systems and other military infrastructure.
US officials said the operation aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to launch attacks against commercial ships and civilian vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest military action came only days after US President Donald Trump suggested that an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict had effectively collapsed.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran had made “a poor choice” and would face the consequences of its actions.
Iran responds with regional missile attacks
Iran reportedly launched retaliatory attacks towards Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates following the US strikes.
Qatar’s military said it intercepted incoming missiles after air raid alerts sounded across the country. Bahrain also activated emergency warnings, while Kuwait confirmed its air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticised Washington’s actions, saying Iran would not accept one-sided agreements and warning that Tehran expected all parties to honour their commitments.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates also warned residents of possible missile and drone attacks. Explosions were reported near Qatar, although authorities have not confirmed all of Iran’s claims regarding additional attacks elsewhere in the region.
Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the main issues in negotiations between the United States and Iran as both countries seek a long-term solution to the conflict.
Before fighting began in late February, around one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passed through the strategic waterway. Iran’s control over parts of the route during the conflict disrupted global energy supplies and pushed oil prices as high as $120 a barrel before they later declined.
US officials said the latest escalation followed an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship travelling close to the coast of Oman. Central Command said the vessel suffered significant engine room damage, while one civilian crew member remains missing.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the ship had been using a route close to Oman’s coastline to avoid Iranian territorial waters. After the vessel caught fire, the crew abandoned ship.
The latest exchange of attacks has added further uncertainty to efforts aimed at restoring stability in one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
