U.S. Launches New Airstrikes On Iran And Tehran Fires Back At Gulf Arab States

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar in the crossfire, again threatening an interim agreement on aid. end the war in the Persian Gulf.

The attacks came hours after US President Donald Trump announced Iran’s latest attacks on ships. Strait of Hormuz signaled the end fragile truce. US struck several military sites and port facilities early Wednesday Iran targeted many commercial ships Fire was also opened in Iran off the coast of Oman.

But Thursday’s attacks loomed larger, with sirens blaring at least twice in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There were no reports of any damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. The Kuwaiti military said it was actively intercepting incoming drones and missiles. Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.

The US military’s Central Command said it hit nearly 90 targets across Iran and released black-and-white footage of attacks on the airport runway and missile launchers.

“US forces remain alert, lethal and ready to conduct operations directed by the Commander in Chief,” the statement said.

The US said the aim of the attacks was to “further weaken” Iran’s ability to “threaten freedom of navigation” in the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade previously passed. the war has begun With the US and Israeli attacks on February 28.

Iranian state media reported explosions in various places, including Bushehr. Iran’s nuclear power plant complexand the southern port cities of Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. In Iranshahr, officials said a firefighter was killed in an attack at an airport.

For the first time since April, it was revealed that US attacks also targeted Iranian bridges. State media reported an attack on a railway bridge in Iran’s northeastern Golestan province, and the Revolutionary Guard reported an attack on two bridges on the road to Mashhad, which authorities planned to bury. The late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday. However, it was unclear whether the Golestan attack was the same attack the Guards were talking about.

after leaving NATO summit In Türkiye, Trump published several videos on his social media site that he said were explosions in Iran and issued another warning to the Islamic Republic.

“This is revenge for Iran bombing the ships yesterday. If it happens again, it will be much worse!” Trump wrote.

Trump had said earlier in the day that the latest back-and-forth conflict would not result in “long-term” military action.

“Whatever happens will happen very quickly,” Trump said, but also suggested that the US military could “get the job done.”

Trump also renewed past threats to hit Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination plants, and Oil production center of Kharg Island.

The United States launched an attack on Iran after three tankers were hit on Tuesday, and Iranian forces retaliated by targeting American military facilities in the Persian Gulf.

Iran claimed that the temporary ceasefire agreement gave it the right to manage traffic in the strait. Speaker of the Parliament Mohammed Bager KalibafOne of the key negotiators in the talks aimed at a permanent end to the war was defiant in a post on

Trump said the interim agreement to halt hostilities was “over”, raising concerns that the war could restart, but added that he would allow negotiations to continue.

The attacks have repeatedly threatened an unstable ceasefire, but Trump’s comments added new uncertainties and oil prices fell. was shot after talking. A new conflict could envelop the entire Middle East and possibly cause energy shipments through the Bosphorus to stop again.

When asked about the status of the ceasefire, Trump said, “It’s over for me.” He added that US representatives could continue negotiations but had doubts about the outcome. “They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time,” he said.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi, who is also one of the top negotiators, hit back at X, saying Trump’s words were “not a sign of strength, but an admission of the failure of US policy towards Iran.”

Trump has made other threats to seize Kharg Island. including last monthAt the same time, the US wonders “does it have the stomach for this?” he questioned. 90 percent of Iranian oil exports pass through Iran island.

Despite the negotiations, new attacks on ships in the strait may reflect a divide among Iran’s leaders. Conservatives are seeking permanent control over the waterway, which is a globally important conduit for fuel shipments and has become a critical lever in confrontation with the West. Pragmatists want a permanent peace agreement to lift international sanctions and restore peace. was desperately needed economic relief.

Negotiations to reach a final agreement would begin after the funeral. KhameneiKilled in the first moments of the battle on February 28. The funeral, which ended on Thursday, was expected to be a time of low tension.

The talks are intended to focus on the most challenging issues, including the full reopening and withdrawal of the strait. Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.