US Launches New Airstrikes on Iran
The United States initiated a fresh series of airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities early Thursday morning, following warnings that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations. In response, Iran launched strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The latest US offensive appeared more intense and widespread than the previous day's attacks, although Iran has not disclosed details regarding the specific targets or damage sustained.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Iran's capital, as well as Bandar Abbas, a port city, and other southern regions along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Prior to the strikes, President Donald Trump vowed to "hit them hard again" as a ceasefire that has lasted two months seemed on the verge of collapse.
Regional Responses and Ceasefire Status
Kuwait closed its airspace in response to the Thursday morning attacks, though it did not provide details on any damage. Jordan did not officially acknowledge the strikes, but the US embassy in Amman issued a warning. Bahrain activated missile alert sirens but did not report any damage.
This marks the third series of reciprocal strikes within the week, testing the fragile ceasefire established two months ago. Initial hostilities occurred between Iran and another party on Sunday into Monday, followed by two rounds of exchanges between the US and Tehran.
Context of the Strikes
The recent attacks followed the downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, an incident President Trump attributed to Iran.
US Central Command stated,
"The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression."
President Trump accused Iranian negotiators of deception, saying they were "playing us for suckers" a day after suggesting a peace deal was near.
At a White House briefing on Wednesday, Trump declared,
"We hit them hard yesterday and we’re going to hit them hard again today."
He further commented,
"We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers."
The president also claimed that the US has been extracting oil from Iran, stating,
"I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night."
Without providing further details, he added,
"Millions of barrels of oil has come out, and that’s why it’s at $85-$90 a barrel, instead of $250."
Impact of Previous Strikes and Negotiation Challenges
Iranian state media reported that earlier US strikes in the early hours of Wednesday hit two reservoirs in southern Iran, leaving approximately 20,000 residents without water.
Efforts to convert the ceasefire into a lasting peace have stalled for several weeks, with intermittent flare-ups as both sides continue limited strikes and accuse each other of violating the truce.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, stated that the US strikes jeopardized ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
According to Fox News, President Trump indicated in a phone interview that he might authorize additional strikes on power plants and bridges if Iran delays the peace process.
Although Trump has frequently threatened to resume military action since the ceasefire began, he has yet to fully implement such measures.
Diplomatic Efforts and Military Details
Regional mediators have been working to reduce tensions. A delegation from Qatar, a key mediator, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to discuss recent developments, according to Iranian media.
The US military described its initial attacks as a "proportional response" to the downing of the Apache helicopter, confirming that both crew members were rescued.
The US reported striking Iranian air defenses, ground control stations, and radar sites. Iran acknowledged attacks on Qeshm Island and the port city of Sirik, while Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas.
Additionally, two crew members of a tanker were reported missing and another injured following a suspected missile strike by the US military enforcing its blockade of Iran’s shipping routes, according to UK maritime security company Ambrey.
Political Context and Obstacles to Peace
President Trump is eager to secure a peace deal as the US midterm elections approach amid rising inflation and declining approval ratings. However, significant differences remain between the parties.
Iran demands the lifting of international sanctions, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets, and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has insisted that any future peace agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
A major obstacle to a lasting peace between Iran and the US is the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Iran insists that any ceasefire must include the Lebanese front, while Israel and the US prefer to separate the two issues.
