US military forces struck targets across Iran following President Donald Trump’s vow of major military punishment against Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, according to official statements and media reports. The escalation follows the collapse of an interim truce, prompting Iranian armed forces to launch retaliatory strikes at US bases in neighboring Arab countries.
US and Iranian Strikes Expand Across the Middle East
US missiles struck a Revolutionary Guards Navy headquarters in the Ziba Kenar area of the Caspian Sea province of Gilan, according to a security official cited by Iranian media. Provincial authorities reported that US projectiles also hit the port city of Bandar Anzali, as carried by the ILNA news agency. Additionally, four people were killed and five injured in a US attack on the Iranian city of Ahvaz, according to the state broadcaster IRIB.
In response, the Iranian armed forces fired at US bases in neighboring Arab countries. The Iranian army reported attacking US military equipment depots at Al-Adiri, officially named Camp Buehring, in northern Kuwait, along with US troop positions at Camp Arifjan and Camp Doha near Kuwait City. Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted hostile targets launched from Iran, state channels reported. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also stated they significantly damaged a surveillance tower used by the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and launched attacks on a US barracks and fighter jets in Jordan, alongside a US barracks, spy balloon, and Patriot air defenses in Erbil within Iraq’s Kurdish region, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Jordan’s army confirmed it downed seven Iranian missiles and six drones, noting that the attack caused no material damage or casualties. President Trump stated on social media that he would hold Iran accountable for further attacks by Yemeni fighters, adding that major military punishment would be inflicted upon Iran and the Houthis. Trump told Axios he was considering relaunching major combat against Iran, remarking that they had not received enough pain yet. Meanwhile, the Iranian health ministry reported on X that 59 people had been killed and 666 wounded since the resumption of clashes in late June. Iranian media cited the head of Iran’s top joint military command stating that Iran would kill a member of US forces for every Iranian killed, a conflict that has already led to the deaths of 18 US service members, while the Pentagon reported that 100 service members had been injured since July 7.
Red Sea Shipping Disruption and Oil Price Surge
The conflict at the mouth of the Red Sea escalated after Houthi fighters struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, pushing oil prices up 7 percent to top $100 per barrel for the first time since May, prior to Brent futures dropping more than $4 to just over $96 by Friday afternoon. The Houthis, who control northern and western Yemen, announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. This blockade forced the diversion of millions of barrels of oil daily by pipeline to the Red Sea to bypass Iran’s near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks forced multiple tankers to turn around and head north through the Suez Canal, utilizing longer routes around Africa to reach Asia. Shipping insurance costs through the southern Red Sea doubled for some companies, according to industry sources. Concurrently, tanker crossings through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to just one, the lowest level since May 7, prompting discussions on maritime security between the Iranian and Omani foreign ministers via a phone call noted on Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s Telegram channel.
Pakistan Explores Diplomatic Path for Stalled Talks
Amid the military escalation, Pakistan is exploring a path towards resuming stalled talks between the US and Iran over ending the war, following an initiative pushed by China, according to three Pakistani sources. Exploratory discussions took place during a visit by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad, marking his second visit within ten days. All three sources cautioned that significant obstacles remain against any potential negotiations with the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US launch missile strikes inside Iran?
US strikes followed President Donald Trump’s vow of military punishment after Tehran and its Houthi allies extended the conflict to the Red Sea shipping chokepoint and targeted US positions in neighboring Arab countries following the collapse of an interim truce.
What impact have Houthi attacks had on global oil markets?
Houthi strikes on Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb strait pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since May, before settling near $96, as shipping lines rerouted vessels and insurance costs doubled.
Is there any diplomatic effort underway to end the fighting?
According to three Pakistani sources, Pakistan is exploring a path toward resuming stalled talks between the US and Iran following a Chinese push, though sources caution that major obstacles remain.
How have regional nations responded to the missile exchanges?
Kuwait reported its air defenses intercepted hostile targets launched from Iran, and Jordan’s army confirmed it downed seven Iranian missiles and six drones without causalities or material damage.
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