US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran as Tehran Targets American Bases

The United States launched two waves of airstrikes on Iran on Wednesday, targeting coastal defence systems and missile sites after reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. In response, Iran said it attacked US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, calling the conflict an “existential war” with America.

The latest fighting comes just days after a fragile ceasefire collapsed, increasing fears of a wider conflict. Iran has also warned it could block more regional energy exports.

Hostilities have grown since Iran announced on Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Military operations have also disrupted shipping through the waterway, which carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas before the conflict. Brent crude oil closed at a one-month high of $84.95 a barrel on Wednesday.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the first wave of strikes began around 6 a.m. EDT, targeting coastal defence systems and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island. About nine hours later, a second wave hit military targets in several Iranian cities.

CENTCOM said US forces struck Iranian command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites. It also confirmed attacks on targets in Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest port and key naval facilities.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it responded by targeting US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. It claimed to have launched missiles and drones at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

According to Reuters, US officials said the strikes are also aimed at weakening Iran’s military before any larger operations.

The US military also said it stopped an empty oil tanker heading toward Iran’s Kharg Island after it ignored repeated warnings. It fired Hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack and said the vessel was disabled. Since Tuesday, the US has redirected two ships and disabled another under its naval blockade.

Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Konarak, Sirik, Qeshm, and Khondab. Iran’s Mehr News Agency said air defence systems were activated in Tehran to counter “hostile threats.”

State broadcaster IRIB said one US strike landed near a hospital in Ahvaz that includes a children’s cancer centre, forcing a temporary evacuation.

After the first wave of attacks, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said the country’s security depends on maintaining “Iranian arrangements” in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said, “We are in an essential and existential war with America.”

The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. Iranian media reported that US attacks in July alone have killed at least 35 people.

US President Donald Trump said Iran would be defeated “very soon” and claimed Tehran wants to “settle so badly.” He said the US would decide whether to reach a deal with Iran or continue military action.

Trump also said Iran had released an American citizen who had been detained since 2024. Human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified her as Dena Karari and confirmed she is safely returning to the United States.