Hormuz tensions escalated sharply after the United States launched military strikes on Iran, saying Tehran had attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, intensifying concerns that a fragile ceasefire could collapse.
The latest exchange has increased fears of a wider regional conflict and cast doubt on planned negotiations aimed at securing a long-term agreement on maritime security and Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US military’s Central Command said American forces struck Iranian air defence systems, radar sites and more than 60 small boats operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Washington said the operation aimed to impose significant costs on Iran for attacking commercial shipping in an international waterway.
Iran confirmed that the strikes took place and state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm and Sirik. However, officials did not disclose any casualties or damage.
Soon afterwards, Bahrain and Kuwait activated missile alerts as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US military installations in both countries. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accused the United States of violating the ceasefire and targeting coastal bases and civilian sites in Hormozgan and Mahshahr provinces.
Separately, Washington revoked a licence that had allowed Iran to openly sell crude oil on international markets under the interim agreement. The move further increased pressure on Tehran and added uncertainty to global energy markets.
The shipping incident occurred after one tanker caught fire off the coast of Oman following an attack, while two other vessels sustained limited damage and continued their voyages through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities reported no injuries.
Iran has maintained strict control over shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Tehran insists that vessels follow designated routes, while the United States and Gulf Arab states reject any attempt by Iran to impose transit charges on international shipping.
The renewed confrontation came during the funeral period for Iran’s Supreme Leader, adding further uncertainty to diplomatic efforts that had been expected to resume after the ceremonies concluded.
The latest military exchanges have raised fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which a significant share of global oil and natural gas supplies normally passes.
