U.S. Military on direction of President Donald Trump launched fresh strikes on Iran, targeting over 90 sites on Thursday, the Central Command said in a statement. As per the statement, the targets included air defence systems, drone, missile storage facilities, and other military assets.
Some media reports also claimed that U.S. military had struck railway bridges in Iran, marking first attack on Tehran’s infrastructure since April 8 ceasefire. Explosions were reported in key port cities and islands near Hormuz including Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Lavan Island, and Chabahar.
Reacting to the U.S. Military Operation, Trump said that the attack was ‘retribution’ to Iran’s attacks on ships in Strait Of Hormuz. “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!”, Trump said on Truthsocial.
Iran Retaliates, Lauches Missiles & Drones At Gulf Nations
Iran was quick to respond as several gulf nations including Qatar, Bahrain & Kuwait sounded off missile and drone alerts. The extent of damage remains unknown but several Iranian-media outlets claimed that various U.S. Bases were targeted in the attack.
Iran further said in a statement, that 8 members of its IRGC military were killed in latest U.S. offensive that began on Wednesday. Tehran further warned Trump of serious consequences and further regional escalation after the strikes as talks remain in limbo.
Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Is ‘Over’
The strikes came after Trump bluntly declared the memorandum of understanding between U.S. & Iran was “over,” after his military launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Wednesday. The U.S. Military had said in a statement that it had hit 80+ targets across Iran including IRGC boats, drone launch sites & anti-ship missile centres.
The Pentagon justified the offensive, stating it was a direct response to Tehran attacking three commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wasted no time hitting back, launching retaliatory strikes aimed at U.S. Bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. While Iran claimed it had targeted 85+ targets in gulf nations, the extent of damage remained unknown.
Trump Warned Iran Of Strikes In Turkey
While speaking on a pull-aside meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at NATO’s annual summit in Turkey, Trump threatened to strike Iran hard again ‘tonight’. He further said that normally he wouldn’t reveal plans but ‘there’s not a thing’ Iranians could do about it.
“We’ll probably hit them hard again tonight. I’ll give them a little warning. We’re gonna hit them hard tonight.”
Trump on Iran:
Global Oil Prices Surge After Trump Strikes
The economic shockwaves of the renewed military activity hit global markets instantly. Financial indexes tumbled over 2% globally within hours of the announcement. More critically for everyday consumers, energy markets experienced immediate volatility. Global Oil Prices surged by more than 5%, driving the international benchmark Brent Crude Price past $80 per barrel, a spike that economists warn could trigger localized fuel price hikes if the maritime choke points remain blocked.
US Launched Strikes Despite Ali Khamenei’s Funeral
The timing of the military exchange coincides with a deeply sensitive period inside Iran. The country is currently observing a nationwide mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away at age 86 during the opening weeks of the conflict in late February. While international diplomats hoped the mourning period would delay further escalation, public pressure within Tehran for a decisive military response ultimately forced the state’s hand.