09 July,2026 12:08 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
The United States launched a fresh round of airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, with Tehran responding by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, raising concerns over the future of an interim agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The latest escalation came hours after US President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz indicated that the fragile ceasefire was coming to an end.
The US had earlier carried out strikes on multiple Iranian military locations and port facilities after Tehran allegedly targeted several merchant vessels near the coast of Oman.
Thursday's exchanges appeared more intense, with warning sirens sounding multiple times in Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters. There were no immediate reports of damage in Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar.
Kuwait's military said it was intercepting incoming drones and missiles, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait.
The US military's Central Command said American forces struck around 90 targets across Iran and released footage showing attacks on what appeared to be an airport runway and missile launchers.
"US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief," it added.
According to the US, the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran's ability "to threaten freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
Before the conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28, nearly one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passed through the waterway.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several areas, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Authorities in Iranshahr said a firefighter was killed in a strike at an airport.
Reports also indicated that bridges were targeted for the first time since April, including a railway bridge in Iran's northeastern Golestan province.
Following the latest strikes, Trump shared videos on social media that he said showed explosions in Iran and issued another warning to Tehran.
"This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!" Trump wrote.
Trump said the latest military exchanges would not necessarily lead to a long-term operation but warned that further action remained possible.
"Anything that happens is going to happen very fast," Trump said, while suggesting the US military could "just finish the job."
The US President also repeated earlier warnings about possible action against Iran's infrastructure and the oil-production hub of Kharg Island.
The renewed strikes have increased concerns that the conflict could expand further across the Middle East and disrupt global energy supplies.
Iran has maintained that the interim ceasefire agreement gives it the authority to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in a post on X: "America still hasn't learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: if you strike, you'll get hit."
Trump later said the ceasefire agreement was "over" but added that negotiations could continue.
"For me, I think it's over," Trump said when asked about the status of the ceasefire. "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time," he said.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded by saying Trump's comments "are not a sign of power but an admission of the failure" of US policy toward Iran.
The latest attacks have raised questions over whether negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement can move forward.
The talks were expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reducing tensions and addressing concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme.
The discussions were scheduled after the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during the initial stage of the conflict.
With both sides exchanging fresh strikes, uncertainty remains over the future of diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
