ran condemned a new round of US strikes on Thursday and launched retaliatory attacks against American forces in the Middle East, sharply escalating a regional conflict as President Donald Trump warned Washington would hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” if talks fail to produce an agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US attacks had rendered the ceasefire “practically meaningless,” accusing Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it carried out retaliatory strikes on US forces in the region, including targets linked to Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, according to Iranian news reports.
The US military said it launched attacks “against multiple targets in Iran,” describing the strikes as acts of “self-defense.” The attacks came hours after Trump accused Tehran of taking ‘too long’ to negotiate a deal.
US-Iran Strikes Raise Risk Of Wider Middle East Conflict
Iranian media reported explosions and attacks in several areas, including the port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, and Karaj, west of Tehran.
Air defences were activated in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan after Iran’s retaliatory strikes, adding to fears that the conflict could spread across the Gulf and beyond. The latest exchange marks another major test for regional governments hosting or coordinating with US forces.
Trump issued a direct warning Thursday morning on Truth Social.
“The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT,” he said.
Trump also said the United States would move against Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure. Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is a key economic asset for Iran and handles roughly 90% of the country’s crude exports.
“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” he added.
Strait Of Hormuz Closure Claim Adds Oil Market Pressure
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that Iran’s military ordered the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships. The US military rejected Iran’s claim, while Washington continued enforcing its blockade of Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most sensitive energy routes. Any sustained disruption would carry serious consequences for oil markets, shipping and global supply chains.
The naval standoff also turned deadly. Three Indian seafarers were found dead after a US strike on a tanker, according to the source material.
Diplomacy Struggles As Lebanon Death Toll Rises
Diplomatic efforts continued under pressure. A Qatari delegation left Tehran after talks with Iranian officials, a diplomatic source said. The talks, coordinated with the United States, lasted into the early hours of the morning local time while US strikes were underway.
The crisis is also unfolding as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue. Multiple reports said strikes hit southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Wednesday, with casualties reported. The death toll from Israeli bombardments since March has reached 3,696.
With US-Iran talks under strain, retaliatory strikes widening and oil infrastructure now part of Trump’s public threats, the coming hours will test whether diplomacy holds or the region moves closer to a broader military confrontation.
