US Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran After Tanker Attacks, Explosions Reported in Bushehr

Hours after a large-scale American airstrike targeting over 80 military sites in Iran, residents near the strategic city of Bushehr reported powerful explosions. Bushehr is home to Iran's nuclear power plant, previously attacked during Operation Roaring Lion. Concurrently, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait amid fears of Iranian retaliation. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged calm and shelter, while Kuwait activated air defenses after detecting missile and drone threats.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the strikes were a direct response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including a Qatari gas tanker. The strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, radar sites, missile launchers, and over 60 fast boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM warned it remains ready to impose further costs if Iranian attacks continue.

Iranian officials responded defiantly. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared the era of intimidation over, emphasizing Iran would not yield to US pressure. The Iranian military's top command promised a crushing response and declared that only Iran-defined safe routes would be allowed in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claimed a joint naval and air operation struck 85 significant US military sites, including Bahrain's US Fifth Fleet base and Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base, downing a US MQ-9 drone.

The US strikes followed Iranian assaults on three commercial ships near Oman, including Saudi and Qatari oil tankers manned by civilian crews. The attacks drew sharp condemnation from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, both calling the Iranian actions terrorist and threatening global energy security. The US Treasury immediately revoked Iran's oil sanction exemptions under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

US President Donald Trump authorized the strikes during a NATO summit in Turkey, convening emergency meetings with top officials. Despite the escalating conflict, US Defense Secretary Pete Gantz planned to proceed with his official visit to Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezhkian abruptly left Najaf, Iraq, to return to Tehran amid the crisis. The situation raises doubts about upcoming diplomatic talks, as the fragile ceasefire appears shattered.