The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran this morning. Tehran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, escalating crossfire that again threatened an interim deal aimed at ending the war in the Persian Gulf.

 

The strikes came hours after US President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz had signalled the end of the fragile ceasefire. The US struck a range of military sites and port facilities early yesterday.

 

The attacks followed Iran’s targeting of several merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, which triggered an Iranian response. Today’s attacks appeared to be larger on both sides. Sirens sounded at least twice in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. There was no immediate word on damage in Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. Kuwait’s military said it was actively intercepting incoming drones and missiles. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.

 

The US military’s Central Command said it struck about 90 targets across Iran. It also released black-and-white footage showing what appeared to be attacks on an airport runway and missile launchers. The US said the strikes were intended to “further degrade” Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex, and the southern port cities of Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. In Iranshahr, authorities said a strike killed a firefighter at an airport.