U.S. conducts additional strikes on Iran following attacks on shipping in Strait of Hormuz
The United States launched a second wave of air strikes against Iranian targets after Iran attacked merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict.
Washington said its forces carried out a second round of strikes against Iranian air-defence systems, radars and small boats on Wednesday, describing the attacks as a measure to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes followed a day-earlier U.S. operation that hit a range of military sites and port facilities after Iran targeted several merchant ships off Oman.
In a post on the social-media platform X, a U.S. military account said the action was intended to hold Iran accountable for what it called “unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway.” Iranian state media reported explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas and in Sirik, and said casualties included members of the Revolutionary Guard and naval forces.
President Donald Trump, speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, said the United States would likely “hit them hard again tonight” and suggested the interim ceasefire was effectively over, though he added that negotiations could continue. He also reiterated previous threats to seize Iran’s oil-production hub on Kharg Island.
Iranian officials responded on X, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stating that “the era of bullying and extortion is over,” and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi characterising the U.S. remarks as an admission of policy failure.
The exchange of fire has revived fears that hostilities could resume, prompting a rise in oil prices. Both Bahrain and Kuwait reported missile alerts; Kuwait said it intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones launched by Iran, and noted damage to electricity lines from falling shrapnel.
Separately, the United States revoked a license that had allowed Iran to sell oil in U.S. dollars under the interim agreement, a step that could affect Iran’s revenue from oil exports. The interim deal had also suspended fees for ships transiting the strait for 60 days, a provision Tehran has indicated it may later reverse.
Negotiations aimed at a permanent ceasefire and broader issues such as the reopening of the strait and Iran’s nuclear program were scheduled to resume after the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.