Washington/Tehran: Military tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified once again after both sides exchanged fresh strikes, pushing a fragile ceasefire reached three weeks ago to the brink of collapse. The latest escalation has heightened concerns over security in the Gulf region and the safety of one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.

According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out another round of precision strikes against Iranian military infrastructure after an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the operation was aimed at protecting international commercial shipping and maintaining freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. The latest operation reportedly targeted around 140 Iranian military sites, including missile and drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots and command-and-control infrastructure.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile and Drone Attacks

In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military installations in several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, according to U.S. and regional reports. Air defence systems were activated across the region as Gulf states responded to the incoming threats.

Kuwait Reports Interception of Aerial Threats

The Kuwaiti military said its air defence forces intercepted hostile aerial targets within the country’s airspace. However, officials did not immediately disclose the number of targets or identify their origin.

IRGC Claims Action in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it intercepted and stopped a second vessel that it described as a “rule-breaking ship” in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also warned that any further military action by the United States or Israel would invite a “more destructive” response. Reuters reported that Tehran has declared the strategic strait closed under its control, although the U.S. maintains that commercial shipping continues to transit the waterway.

Claims Over Al Udeid Air Base Remain Unverified

The IRGC also claimed that its missile strikes targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, alleging damage to aircraft maintenance and command facilities. As of now, these claims have not been independently verified, and neither U.S. nor Qatari authorities have confirmed the reported damage.

Regional Tensions Continue to Rise

The renewed exchange of attacks has significantly increased tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns over global energy supplies, commercial shipping and broader regional stability. While diplomatic channels remain open, both Washington and Tehran have adopted increasingly hardline positions, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.