The latest tensions came hours after US President Donald Trump announced that Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz had effectively ended the temporary ceasefire. Iran targeted several merchant ships off the coast of Oman following the US attacks, which Washington said threatened freedom of navigation through one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
Thursday’s talks are the biggest clash since the ceasefire was announced. Air raid sirens sounded at least twice in Bahrain, the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Kuwait said its forces were intercepting incoming missiles and drones. There were no immediate reports of damage in Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar.
The US military said the strikes were aimed at “further weakening” Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that handled about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the conflict began on February 28.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home of Iran’s nuclear power complex, and the southern port cities of Chabahar, Konark, Bandar Abbas and Sirik.
After leaving the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump shared video on social media in which he showed explosions inside Iran and warned Tehran against any future attacks on shipping.
“This is revenge for Iran’s bombing of ships yesterday. If it happens again, it will be even worse!” He has written.
Earlier in the day, Trump had suggested that the military action would not become a protracted campaign.
“Whatever happens is going to happen very fast,” he said, adding that the US could also “just finish the job.”
They also reiterated previous threats to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power stations and desalination plants, and to seize the country’s key oil-export hub on Kharg Island.
The latest US attacks follow attacks on three commercial tankers on Tuesday. Iran responded by targeting US military facilities in the Persian Gulf.
Iran has said the interim ceasefire allows it to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf defended Tehran’s position in a post on Twitter.
He wrote, “America has still not learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer free. I want to say it clearly: If you strike, you will be struck.”
Trump’s comments cast fresh doubts over the future of the ceasefire, saying the agreement was effectively “over” even as he allowed diplomatic efforts to continue.