Fresh strikes have further escalated tensions between the United States and Iran after both sides announced new military operations and accused each other of violating a recently agreed ceasefire.
The latest developments come amid growing concerns over regional stability and the security of international shipping routes in the Middle East. Both Washington and Tehran have issued statements defending their respective military actions.
According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), it launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations in the region. The organization described the operation as a response to what it called recent US attacks on Iran.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the IRGC said the first phase of its operation targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. It claimed the attacks were carried out using a combination of missiles and drones.
Iran also accused the United States of violating a ceasefire and an agreement it referred to as the “Islamabad understanding.” According to the IRGC, US forces conducted airstrikes on several coastal facilities and civilian locations along Iran’s southern coastline.
The IRGC claimed its naval and aerospace units participated in the operation. It also stated that missile and drone attacks struck military facilities, including Port Salman, the US Fifth Naval Base in Bahrain and Kuwait’s Ali Salem Airbase.
In addition, the IRGC claimed that one MQ-9 drone was shot down during the operation. These claims have not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had carried out fresh strikes against Iran on July 7. According to the US military, more than 80 targets were hit using precision-guided munitions.
CENTCOM said the operation was launched in response to Iran’s alleged attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The US military stated that the action was intended to protect international shipping.
According to the statement, US forces targeted Iranian air defence systems, command and control centres, coastal radar installations and anti-ship missile capabilities.
CENTCOM also said more than 60 small boats belonging to the IRGC were struck in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Officials stated that the operation aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime trade.
The US military further alleged that Iran had recently attacked three commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The vessels identified included the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity.
CENTCOM added that its forces remain prepared to respond if agreements are not respected. It said the United States would continue taking action when necessary.
Separately, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of committing major violations of the memorandum of understanding. In a statement posted on X, he alleged repeated breaches, including threats of additional attacks, renewed oil sanctions and military action against southern Iran.
He also referred to continued Israeli operations in Lebanon and stated that Iran would not yield to pressure.
The exchange of fresh strikes has further increased uncertainty across the region. Diplomatic efforts continue, but tensions remain high as both countries maintain opposing positions regarding responsibility for the latest military escalation.
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