Middle East on the Brink Again: U. S. Strikes More Than 80 Targets in Iran, Tehran Retaliates Against American Bases - EUROPE SAYS
Shortly before the strikes, the United States revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to export crude oil until August 21, further increasing economic pressure on Tehran. The Middle East has. . .
Shortly before the strikes, the United States revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to export crude oil until August 21, further increasing economic pressure on Tehran. The Middle East has entered a new and dangerous phase of escalation after the United States launched large-scale strikes on more than 80 military targets in Iran in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against U. S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while explosions were reported across the region. The U. S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation targeted Iranian air defense systems, command centers, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile batteries, and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to Washington, the strikes were a direct response to attacks on international shipping and were intended to impose a “high cost” on Iran for its actions. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions near the Strait of Hormuz, including on Qeshm Island, in the city of Sirik, and in the port city of Bandar Abbas. The Mehr news agency later reported additional explosions in Bushehr, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant and key infrastructure near the country’s main oil export terminal on Kharg Island. Shortly before the strikes, the United States revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to export crude oil until August 21, further increasing economic pressure on Tehran. Iran accused Washington of violating the June 17 memorandum of understanding, which had been intended to lay the groundwork for ending the conflict. “Iran issues a serious warning regarding the consequences of America’s violation of the agreement and will take decisive measures to protect its interests and national security,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry said. Hours later, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had struck 85 U. S. military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain in a coordinated missile and drone operation. Iran’s military said it had targeted the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain as an “initial response” to what it called American aggression. Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Bahrain, while AFP journalists reported a series of powerful explosions in the northern part of the country. Kuwait’s military also announced that its air defense systems had intercepted hostile missiles and drones. The escalation began after a series of attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), one tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile, another was attacked by a drone, and a third sustained damage off the coast of Oman. Qatar said one of the affected vessels was its liquefied natural gas tanker Al-Rekayyat and accused Iran of carrying out an “unacceptable attack” on international shipping. Doha summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador and demanded that Tehran immediately halt actions undermining regional security. Qatar later also condemned Iran’s strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain, calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Kuwait likewise condemned what it described as Iran’s “repeated illegal attacks,” saying they undermine international efforts to reduce tensions. At the NATO summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte defended Washington’s actions. “I believe they were absolutely necessary. It was absolutely crucial for the United States to respond firmly,” he said, adding that the U. S. remains fully committed to NATO despite President Donald Trump’s calls for European allies to increase defense spending. The international response followed swiftly. China urged both Washington and Tehran to avoid further escalation. “Renewing the war is in the interests of neither side, and military means cannot solve the underlying problems,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. The latest developments cast serious doubt over the future of U. S. -Iran negotiations launched in June and have intensified fears that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war, threatening security across the Persian Gulf and international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. | BGNES