US Launches Extensive Airstrikes on Iran Following Gulf Attacks

In the early hours of Thursday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have attacked four US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for American strikes on Bandar Abbas, Sirik near the Strait of Hormuz, and the Bushehr airport in southern Iran. These US attacks followed President Donald Trump's threat to "strike Iran hard tonight," marking the second consecutive night of military action.

The US military confirmed conducting a large-scale airstrike campaign against approximately 90 Iranian military targets overnight, surpassing the previous night's 80 targets. The strikes aimed to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Targets included air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and logistical military infrastructure along Iran's coastline. Notably, the US also targeted bridges in Golestan province, disrupting rail service between Tehran and Mashhad.

Iran's Ministry of Health reported 14 fatalities from the US strikes over two days, including eight IRGC personnel killed in attacks on Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. Iranian officials vowed strong retaliation, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Aribabadi warning that US actions "will not go unanswered." Senior Iranian figures condemned Trump's rhetoric, calling it insulting and threatening, while reaffirming Iran's determination to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, described Iranians as "sick people" and asserted that the US had already won militarily, threatening harsher responses if attacks on US interests continued. Despite escalating tensions, Trump later stated he did not expect a prolonged war with Iran but warned any conflict would end quickly.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that the strikes were ordered to counter Iran's recent unprovoked aggression against commercial vessels and civilian crews in international waters. Meanwhile, Israel's defense establishment reported no changes in its security posture but maintained high readiness following the ceasefire after Operation "Lion's Roar." Regional diplomatic efforts continue, with Iran and Qatar discussing the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also called for restraint and diplomatic solutions to preserve regional stability.

This marks the most extensive US military operation against Iran since the recent conflict flare-up, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the Gulf region and the potential for further confrontations.