New Delhi, Jul 8: The United States on Wednesday launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, with Washington saying the attacks were in retaliation for Tehran’s assault on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump warned that more military action could follow later in the day
The Associated Press (AP) reported that the latest strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US military said had been used to threaten commercial vessels in the strategic waterway.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Mahshahr and Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex.
The strikes came after Iran allegedly targeted three commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Washington to accuse Tehran of violating the fragile ceasefire and to order retaliatory military action.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said the US had struck Iran “very hard” overnight and signalled that another round of attacks was likely.
Trump said the ceasefire was effectively “over”, blaming Iran for renewed attacks on shipping and accusing Tehran of behaving aggressively by launching drones and missiles at commercial vessels.
He, however, said US representatives could continue diplomatic contacts, while expressing doubt that negotiations would succeed.
Trump also renewed earlier threats to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including electricity and desalination facilities, and again warned of possible action against Kharg Island, through which the bulk of Iran’s oil exports pass.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad BagherQalibaf rejected the US warnings, saying in a post on X that Iran would not bow to pressure or intimidation.
The renewed hostilities heightened fears that the conflict could widen further across the Middle East.
Oil prices climbed sharply after Trump’s remarks amid concerns over disruptions to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
Iran later launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, with Kuwaiti authorities saying they intercepted ballistic missiles and drones.
Bahrain and Kuwait also activated missile alerts as the exchange of fire intensified.
The report said Washington also revoked a licence that had temporarily allowed Iran to openly sell crude oil under an interim agreement reached earlier this year, further escalating economic pressure on Tehran.
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