U.S.-Iran Clashes Raise Gulf Tensions
The U.S. military carried out new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, saying the operation was intended to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. U.S. Central Command said the action followed recent attacks on commercial vessels and civilian crews. President Donald Trump described the strikes as retaliation and warned that further Iranian actions could prompt a stronger response.
The escalation followed a day of exchanges between the two countries. CENTCOM said earlier strikes hit more than 80 Iranian targets, including air-defense systems, command networks, coastal radar, anti-ship missile capabilities, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boats near the Strait. Iran said it responded with drone and missile attacks on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities reported intercepting missiles and drones, while Bahrain issued shelter warnings. No significant damage was reported.
The renewed fighting has raised questions about the status of a June 17 memorandum meant to support a 60-day cease-fire and allow technical talks. Trump said he considered the agreement “over,” while Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of violating it by reinstating oil sanctions and threatening additional strikes.
International officials urged restraint. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported the U.S. response and emphasized the need to keep the Strait open. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and ships near the Strait were unacceptable and complicated diplomatic efforts.
Markets reacted quickly. Brent crude rose more than 5%, approaching $79 a barrel, as uncertainty increased around energy flows through the waterway, which carries about a fifth of global oil production. Maritime authorities raised the threat risk to severe, and the International Maritime Organization said thousands of seafarers remain unable to depart safely for now.