Trump Orders Major US Airstrikes on Iran Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, US President Donald Trump authorized a large-scale airstrike operation targeting over 80 military and strategic sites within Iran. This decision came in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels, including Saudi and Qatari oil tankers, in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump convened an emergency meeting with top US officials during the NATO summit in Turkey, cutting short his participation to approve the military action aimed at punishing Iran for violating a ceasefire and threatening international maritime freedom.

The US Central Command confirmed the strikes hit advanced air defense systems, radar sites, missile launchers, naval surveillance installations, and more than 60 fast boats belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards operating near the Strait. The operation, described by Washington officials as significantly larger than previous attacks, continued into the morning with explosions reported in southern Iran, including the strategic islands of Khark and Qeshm, and port cities Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Iranian state media reported severe damage and casualties from the strikes.

The US Treasury immediately revoked Iran's oil sanction exemptions granted under a prior Islamabad memorandum. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accused Washington of violating the agreement and warned of "decisive actions" to defend Iran's interests. Meanwhile, Iran's military command vowed a crushing response, declaring that all shipping in the Strait will now only be allowed through routes defined by Iran.

The escalation has drawn sharp condemnations from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with Bahrain urging citizens to seek shelter amid heightened tensions near the US Fifth Fleet headquarters. Former US Middle East envoy Dennis Ross predicted a prolonged cycle of retaliation and instability. Despite the crisis, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to proceed with his official visit to Israel, though the situation remains fluid.

This military escalation follows Iran's direct attacks on international shipping and marks a significant deterioration in US-Iran relations, threatening regional security and global energy supplies.