U.S.-Iran conflict escalates as Tehran strikes Gulf targets after American attacks
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight into Thursday, as Tehran launched missiles and drones toward U.S. military interests and allied countries in the Gulf following a new wave of American strikes on Iranian targets.
Iranian attacks targeted areas in Kuwait and Bahrain, with earlier retaliatory strikes also reported against U.S.-linked targets in Jordan and Iraq. Kuwaiti authorities said their air defenses intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain also reported intercepting Iranian attacks.
The escalation followed a U.S. military operation targeting Iranian air defense systems, radar installations, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities, according to the U.S. military. The strikes marked the most significant renewed exchange between Washington and Tehran after a lull in direct hostilities.
Iran’s Health Ministry said on Thursday that the latest U.S. attacks killed 18 people and wounded 142 others, including women and children. Washington has denied deliberately targeting civilians amid reports that one of the strikes hit a location where a wedding was taking place in southern Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the renewed fighting would not last “too long” but stressed that Washington remained prepared to strike Iran again. Meanwhile, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran would soon unveil what he described as a “new strategy” in the war.
The renewed confrontation has also intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route. Shipping through the waterway has been disrupted, while oil markets remain volatile amid fears that further escalation could threaten regional energy supplies.
The conflict has expanded pressure on U.S. allies across the Middle East, with several countries hosting American military facilities now facing the risk of direct Iranian retaliation.
The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law as concerns grow over civilian casualties.