Washington targets military sites while Tehran vows retaliation
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran late Wednesday after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating tensions despite an earlier ceasefire framework between the two countries.
US Central Command confirmed that American forces struck more than 80 Iranian targets, saying the operation aimed to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten international shipping. President Donald Trump had earlier warned that further military action was imminent, declaring that Iran would be hit “hard” if attacks continued.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Konarak and Chabahar, while air defence systems engaged what officials described as hostile targets. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and the memorandum of understanding reached between Tehran and Washington.
Iran warns of consequences
Iranian officials vowed a strong response, insisting their armed forces would defend the country’s sovereignty. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement, while senior adviser Ali Akbar Velayati warned that US actions were pushing the region toward a wider conflict.
Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait and said it had downed a US MQ-9 drone over Bushehr Province. Bahrain reported intercepting aerial threats, although no casualties were confirmed.
Global concern grows
The renewed confrontation drew international concern. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and immediately resume diplomacy, warning that a return to full-scale conflict would endanger regional stability and the global economy.
China also called for dialogue instead of military action, while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts during talks between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Saudi ambassador. Despite the latest escalation, uncertainty remains over whether negotiations can still revive a lasting peace agreement.
