US Strikes Iranian Air Defenses Near Strait of Hormuz as Iran Retaliates on Gulf Bases
The United States conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian air defenses, radar sites, and military surveillance capabilities near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iranian retaliation with drone and missile attacks on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These Iran strikes follow a fragile April 8 ceasefire and form part of tit-for-tat actions after Iran downed a US Apache helicopter. [3][5]
US Strikes Target Iranian Defenses Near Strait of Hormuz
CENTCOM stated that American forces began additional self-defence strikes at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday Washington time in response to what it called Tehran's unwarranted and continued aggression. [5] The command later said it had completed strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defence sites. [5] American forces fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters. [5] Iranian media reported explosions across the south near the Strait of Hormuz, with blasts heard in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Minab, Jask, and Sirik. [3][5] Sources reported hits by enemy projectiles in Kargan and Sirik. [5] Thousands of residents in the southern port town of Sirik lost access to drinking water after US strikes hit two reservoirs supplying the Bemani and Kouhestak areas. [3] Iran's media published photos purportedly showing US bomb remains at a destroyed water reservoir. [1] Trump said US forces used 49 Tomahawk missiles in the operation. [4][5] CENTCOM indicated the strikes targeted air defences, radar, and command-and-control units for unmanned aerial vehicles. [4]
Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks on US Bases in Gulf
In response to the US strikes, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched drone attacks on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait, as well as a long-range missile strike on an airbase in Azraq, Jordan. [3] The IRGC stated it struck 18 to 21 targets, including destroying an F-35 hangar. [3][4] Iranian media said the army conducted drone strikes targeting communications antennas and radar facilities belonging to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. [5] An air raid alert was issued in Bahrain, and residents were urged to head to the nearest safe place. [5] Bahrain intercepted the Iranian aerial attacks, according to a media advisor to the Bahraini king. [2] Kuwait closed its airspace temporarily as its military said air defence systems were working to intercept hostile aerial targets. [5] All projectiles were intercepted without casualties in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. [3] The IRGC warned that its forces remain fully prepared to deliver a crushing and decisive response to any US military actions. [3]
Trump Comments on Direct Contact and Future Strikes
Trump told reporters he spoke directly with Iranian officials who asked him to stop the strikes. [2][5] He asserted that Israel was not involved in the strikes, which targeted Iranian air defences and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz. [2] Trump said the US hit Iran hard yesterday and would hit them again hard today if needed. [3][5] He warned that if Iran did not accept US terms for ending the war, strikes would continue the following night. [5] Trump mentioned that he gave Iran a break at the request of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. [3] He added that a meaningful deal was close but that Iran keeps tapping the US along. [3][5]
Iranian Leadership Vows to Stand Firm
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country will stand firm against any pressure or threat. [2][3] He denounced warnings to target Iranian infrastructure, stating that threats to transportation networks, electricity, and water industries are a sign of desperation. [3] The IRGC said it struck approximately 70 per cent of targets with precision at US bases in West Asia. [3] Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through repeated ceasefire violations. [3] Pezeshkian said Iran must move beyond the current no-war, no-peace situation and will not surrender if its dignity, land, and territory are violated. [3]
International Calls for Restraint Amid Escalation
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of returning to full war in the Middle East. [3][5] He said the risks of a lesser fire becoming full fire should not be minimised. [3] Russia urged restraint in the Iran conflict and called on both sides to immediately cease military attacks. [3] China said it was deeply concerned and urged relevant parties to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and stop escalating the situation. [3] A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. [3][5] India summoned a top US diplomat over a strike on a tanker off Oman where three Indians were missing. [3]
Context of Ceasefire and Broader Conflict
The strikes follow a fragile April 8 ceasefire that ended weeks of violence after operations began on February 28. [2][3] The latest flare-up came after the US accused Iran of downing a US Apache helicopter on Tuesday. [3][5] Iran has insisted that any deal must include a truce in Lebanon. [5] Oil prices rose as much as 2 per cent, with West Texas Intermediate reaching 92.39 USD a barrel. [3][5] Commercial ships continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian warnings, according to CENTCOM. [3][5]
What to watch next: Trump indicated further strikes could occur the following night if no memorandum of understanding is reached, while Qatari negotiators continue efforts to bridge remaining gaps in talks. [3][5]
