US Strikes Iranian Military Targets in Strait of Hormuz; Iran Retaliates with Missile Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait

Tensions escalated overnight between the United States and Iran after the US military launched airstrikes against multiple Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted ten sites including communication systems, radar installations, air defense batteries, drone storage facilities, and mine-laying infrastructure. The US stated these actions were in response to an Iranian attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker, which Washington described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement.

CENTCOM emphasized that the US had given Iran an opportunity to honor the ceasefire, but Iran chose not to comply. The strikes were intended to protect freedom of navigation in international trade routes. US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation and warned that continued Iranian violations could lead to intensified US military actions. He stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran may not continue to exist" if provocations persist.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US forces stationed in Bahrain and Kuwait approximately two hours after the US strikes. Alarms sounded in both countries, but US sources reported no casualties or significant damage. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, declaring the attacks a direct response to the US actions and warning of severe consequences for any further aggression.

The Revolutionary Guards naval command threatened that US bases in the region would face severe difficulties in the coming days and cautioned that any additional ceasefire violations would halt ongoing diplomatic processes. This exchange marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran in the strategically critical Gulf region.