US-Iran conflict escalates as fresh strikes kill 14; Tehran retaliates with attacks on Gulf bases
The military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensified on Thursday after fresh US airstrikes killed at least 14 people in Iran, prompting Tehran to launch missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
The latest escalation has dealt another setback to the already fragile interim ceasefire that was intended to ease tensions in the Persian Gulf.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the US strikes carried out over the past two days left at least 14 people dead and 78 injured. Hossein Kermanpour, head of the ministry’s Public Relations and Information Center, said the attacks targeted five Iranian provinces on July 8 and July 9. Of those injured, 47 remain hospitalised while others have been discharged after treatment.
Iranian state media reported that three of the fatalities occurred near the southwestern city of Ahvaz.
Washington said the latest military operation was launched after Iran allegedly targeted commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route.
According to the US military, the strikes were aimed at weakening Iran’s capability to threaten international shipping. US Central Command said more than 170 military targets were struck over two days, including air defence systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone infrastructure, naval facilities and installations linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US President Donald Trump, while attending the NATO summit in Turkey, defended the military action and warned Iran against carrying out further attacks.
In a social media post, Trump claimed the strikes were retaliation for the attacks on commercial ships and cautioned Tehran that any repeat action would invite a stronger response. He also indicated that Washington could take further military steps if necessary.
Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks aimed at what it described as US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Kuwaiti authorities said their air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in the Gulf countries.
Iranian media also reported explosions in Bushehr, home to the country’s nuclear power complex, as well as in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar and Konarak.
Reacting to the US operation, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused Washington of repeatedly violating its commitments and warned that Iran would respond to any future attacks.
The latest exchange comes after the collapse of an interim memorandum of understanding that had been brokered on June 17 to reduce hostilities and pave the way for broader negotiations.
On Wednesday, President Trump declared that the agreement was effectively “over”, accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed military exchanges have heightened concerns over regional stability and the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.