Key facts
- President Donald Trump stated that US strikes on Iran were in retaliation for Iran's alleged bombing of ships.
- Trump warned that further Iranian attacks would lead to significantly worse consequences.
- The US military's Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian air-defence systems, radars, and small boats.
- Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Mahshahr and Bushehr.
- Kuwait reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran.
President Donald Trump declared that recent US strikes against Iran were a direct response to Iran's alleged attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump stated, "This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!" He also shared images and videos purportedly showing the aftermath of the strikes.
Trump's remarks have heightened concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the Gulf, casting doubt on an existing ceasefire. He indicated that the US was preparing for further strikes, suggesting the truce was effectively over. "For me, I think it's over," Trump said when asked about the ceasefire, adding that further talks would be a waste of time. He reiterated threats to strike Iran's civilian infrastructure and seize Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub.
The US military's Central Command confirmed that its forces launched strikes targeting Iranian air-defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and over 60 small boats used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These boats have been instrumental in threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies.
Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple locations, including Bandar Mahshahr and the vicinity of the Bushehr nuclear power plant complex. On Wednesday morning, Bahrain and Kuwait reported missile alerts, with the Revolutionary Guard claiming to have targeted US military installations in both countries. Kuwait stated it intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones launched by Iran.
Unnamed US officials suggested that the latest strikes would be wider in scope than those conducted previously. The conflict's continuation despite ongoing negotiations may signal internal divisions within Iran's leadership, with hard-liners seeking control over waterways and pragmatists pursuing a peace deal to ease sanctions. Negotiations for a final agreement were anticipated after the funeral period for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed early in the war.