Iran broadens strikes across Gulf as U.S. launches fresh attacks
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Iran on Sunday expanded its military response by targeting U.S. facilities across several Gulf countries and reaffirming the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a new wave of U.S. airstrikes against dozens of Iranian military sites.
The latest escalation came after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had carried out a fresh series of precision strikes targeting dozens of locations across Iran.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks extended to Qatar, which has served as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations and had not been targeted since April.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones for the first time since early May, while Jordan’s military announced it had intercepted and destroyed four missiles that entered its airspace from Iran.
In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry activated air raid sirens and urged citizens and residents to seek shelter in the nearest safe location.
Iranian state media also reported missile attacks and explosions near the strategic port of Bandar Abbas, home to key military facilities overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, as well as on the nearby island of Qeshm.
Late Sunday, Tehran announced it had officially closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing a warning shot at a vessel it said was sailing through an unauthorized route. Iranian authorities said Monday they had also stopped a second ship attempting to pass through the waterway.
The renewed exchange of attacks further undermines efforts to preserve a temporary ceasefire. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he considered the ceasefire effectively over, while saying the door remained open for further negotiations with Tehran.