Iran strikes U.S. targets across Middle East as tensions spiral

Iran targeted U.S. military installations in several Middle Eastern countries on Thursday, including Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, despite President Donald Trump’s warning that the United States stands ready to retaliate further.

Trump said the U.S. military could strike Iran “any time we want,” following extensive American attacks that killed at least 19 Iranians and prompted Tehran’s response.

Kuwaiti authorities reported intercepting a missile and drone assault, while Iranian state media confirmed the strikes were in retaliation for “America’s crimes against the Iranian people.”

The latest violence began after the U.S. carried out its first known strikes in weeks, targeting Iranian facilities in an effort to halt Tehran’s mining of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian response included attacks on U.S. troops in Jordan and the UAE, and resulted in “casualties” according to Tehran.

Two oil tankers were also hit in unclaimed attacks, with one killing two Filipino sailors, a Saudi shipping firm reported.

Maximum Pressure

Washington is also pursuing economic coercion, threatening sanctions on Iran’s trade partners. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said a new sanctions package would apply “absolutely maximum pressure” on the Islamic Republic and its economic allies.

Trump further suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz—currently under U.S. control—to “Trump Strait,” though he later indicated the comment was not serious.

Earlier U.S. strikes on a wedding in southern Iran sparked Iranian fury. The Iranian Red Crescent said shrapnel from a missile attack in the coastal town of Kuhestak killed four people, including a child, and injured more than 50.

U.S. Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins said the U.S. does not target civilians, contrasting the action with that of the IRGC.

Acts Like Satan

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned the wedding strike, labeling the United States “Satan” on social media.

Public sentiment in Iran expressed regret over the renewed hostilities, with many lamenting the suffering of ordinary citizens.

The conflict originated on February 28 when U.S.–Israeli strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading to the collapse of a fragile ceasefire after attacks on commercial vessels in the strategic strait, through which roughly one‑fifth of global oil supplies previously passed.

Israel’s defence minister warned that his country would respond with “great force” if Iran attacks during the upcoming Jewish high‑holiday season, noting that Iran has so far been focusing its strikes elsewhere.

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