US Strikes Hit Iranian Missile Sites as Tehran Launches Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain Bases
The US launched multiple waves of strikes on Iranian coastal defenses, missile sites, command centers and other military targets, while Iran retaliated by targeting US military radar, Patriot batteries and personnel sites in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. These Iran strikes have escalated tensions across the region as both sides exchange fire over control of key waterways.
US Launches Two Waves of Strikes on Iran
U.S. Central Command reported striking coastal defense systems and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in a 90-minute first wave starting at 6 a.m. EDT. [2] A second wave followed nine hours later, hitting command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, coastal surveillance facilities, and targets in Bandar Abbas. [2] The strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. [4] U.S. forces also hit targets in Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest port and key navy and Revolutionary Guards facilities. [2] Three U.S. officials said the strikes aimed at forcing open the strait while also targeting capabilities the U.S. would want to destroy before more complex operations. [2]
Iran Retaliates Against US Bases in Region
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck a US gathering of military personnel and a radar system at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base with missiles and drones, plus targets in Bahrain and Jordan. [1] Kuwait reported intercepting four missiles and 21 drones with material damage but no injuries reported. [4] The Guards said they targeted a gathering for U.S. military personnel and a radar system at Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait with a missile and drone attack. [2] Iran also struck U.S. military targets in Bahrain and Jordan as part of what it called an “existential war” with America. [2] Kuwait’s armed forces intercepted the incoming projectiles in an attack that caused material damage but no injuries. [4]
Naval Blockade and Tanker Disabled
US forces disabled an unladen oil tanker heading toward Iran’s Kharg Island by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after it ignored warnings. [2] This action formed part of a resumed naval blockade that has redirected two other ships. [2] The U.S. military disabled the unladen tanker attempting to sail toward Kharg Island after it ignored multiple warnings. [4] Since resuming the naval blockade against Iran on Tuesday, the U.S. has redirected two ships and disabled another. [2] The disabled vessel was the Curaçao-flagged Belma tanker. [3]
Explosions Reported Across Iran
Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz near a hospital with a pediatric cancer center that was temporarily evacuated, Konarak, Sirik, Qeshm, Khondab and around Tehran and Semnan, with air defenses activated. [2] At least 35 people were killed in July from US attacks according to Iranian officials. [2] Iranian state media reported explosions around Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Konarak, Sirik and Qeshm. [4] Press TV reported at least two explosions in the central Iranian city of Khondab. [2] Mehr news agency reported Iran activated its air defenses in Tehran to counter hostile threats. [2] Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the U.S. attacks struck near a hospital in Ahvaz that houses a pediatric cancer center, forcing the temporary evacuation of the hospital. [2] In July alone, U.S. attacks have killed 35 people, Tasnim reported, citing a health ministry official. [4]
Oil Prices Spike on Hormuz Concerns
Brent crude rose to a one-month high of $84.95 a barrel amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed and which carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. [2] Hostilities have intensified since Iran said late on Saturday it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. [2] Military operations are also keeping ships from transiting the vital artery. [2] Brent crude oil closed at a one-month high of $84.95 a barrel on Wednesday. [4] The strait carried about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war. [2]
Trump Comments on Possible Settlement
President Trump stated Iran wants to settle the conflict and that the US appreciates Iran’s release of American Dena Karari, previously wrongfully detained. [2] Trump said, “We’ll have Iran defeated soon. They’ll be defeated very soon.” [2] He also claimed the Iranians want to “settle so badly” and that “They don’t like what we’re doing, and they do want to settle.” [2] On Tuesday, Trump said U.S. negotiators had been in touch with their Iranian counterparts to tell them “you better make a deal.” [2] Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States appreciates this gesture of goodwill by Iran. [2] Human rights attorney Jared Genser identified the released American as Dena Karari, who had been prevented from leaving Iran since December 2024. [2]
What to watch next: Analysts will monitor whether Iran launches further attacks on U.S. bases and whether Washington begins a third wave of strikes, as continued reductions in commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz or direct targeting of energy infrastructure could trigger additional oil price increases.
