Key facts
- The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz.
- The strikes followed an attack on the M/T Kiku tanker.
- President Donald Trump stated the U.S. struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites.
- Trump warned of Iran's complete destruction if further aggression occurs.
- Iran claimed retaliatory missile and drone attacks against U.S. positions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
- Bahrain condemned Iranian drone attacks and called for a UN Security Council meeting.
- The U.S. tested new Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) on Lamerd, Iran.
- 21 civilians, including six children, were killed in Lamerd, Iran.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated the U.S. holds all the cards in negotiations with Iran.
- Oman is considering fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi visited Baghdad to discuss regional developments.
The U.S. military has escalated hostilities by conducting strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, following an attack on the M/T Kiku tanker. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites for violating a ceasefire agreement. Trump further warned that further Iranian aggression could lead to the complete destruction of Iran. Iran claimed retaliatory missile and drone attacks against U.S. positions in Bahrain and Kuwait. Bahrain has condemned these Iranian drone attacks, accusing Iran of undermining regional peace and violating international law. The nation has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting following damage to a residential building in Muharraq Governorate.
Reports indicate the U.S. tested new Lockheed Martin Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) on Lamerd, Iran, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians, including six children. Centcom initially denied involvement, blaming Iran, but later praised the missile's deployment. In parallel, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. holds all the cards in negotiations with Iran, asserting that the U.S. wins regardless of the outcome, citing the destruction of Iran's nuclear program and its diminished standing as key factors. Amidst these rising tensions, Oman is contemplating imposing fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This potential move has alarmed the U.S. and its allies and may be linked to services like pollution cleanup or navigation assistance.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi traveled to Baghdad to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments with Iraqi officials. This visit occurs amidst heightened tensions due to U.S. strikes on Iranian installations and Iran's retaliatory attacks, as well as ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with multiple actors involved in a tense standoff.