U.S. And Iran Exchange Intensifying Fire, Threatening Interim Deal To End War

U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes, Threatening Interim Ceasefire Agreement

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States conducted airstrikes against targets in Iran early Thursday, and Iranian forces responded by directing projectiles toward U.S.-allied countries in the region. The exchange occurred amid an interim agreement intended to pause fighting in the Middle East.

Attacks occurred on consecutive days and have placed pressure on the ceasefire. Thursday’s strikes involved multiple locations, with air raid sirens activated at least three times in Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. Missiles were directed toward Kuwait and Qatar. Sirens also sounded in Jordan, where U.S. troops and aircraft are based.

The U.S. actions followed statements by President Donald Trump that Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz had ended the ceasefire and that further incidents would lead to escalation. Observers noted the potential for wider involvement of multiple countries and disruption of energy shipments through the strait.

In Iran, the Health Ministry reported that two days of U.S. airstrikes killed at least 14 people and wounded 78 others, with most casualties identified as members of the armed forces. In Kuwait, military officials stated that one person was injured by falling debris after forces intercepted three ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and 10 drones. Bahrain reported intercepting incoming projectiles but provided no further details. No immediate reports of damage emerged from Qatar.

The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that approximately 90 targets were struck across Iran and released footage showing impacts on an airport runway and missile launchers. The command described the objective as degrading Iran’s capacity to interfere with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carried one-fifth of global traded oil and natural gas prior to the start of hostilities on Feb. 28.

Shipping attacks had previously reduced traffic through the waterway, contributing to higher oil prices and increased costs for imported goods. Iranian state media reported explosions in Bushehr, site of Iran’s nuclear power plant, and in southern port areas. In Khuzestan province, state media said three people were killed. In Iranshahr, officials reported that a strike killed a firefighter at an airport. Nine members of Iran’s armed forces were reported killed in Wednesday’s strikes, according to state media. Details on the timing and identity of one additional death remained unclear.

U.S. strikes also hit bridges for the first time since April. State media reported damage to a railway bridge in Golestan province. The Revolutionary Guard stated that two bridges on the route to Mashhad were struck; officials had planned to bury the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei there on Thursday.

After departing a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump posted videos on social media showing explosions in Iran and warned that further attacks on shipping would produce stronger responses. He stated that any additional incidents would lead to more severe measures. Earlier in the day, Trump indicated that the latest exchanges would not produce extended military operations and that any actions would occur rapidly. He also repeated earlier statements regarding potential strikes on Iranian electric and desalination plants and on Kharg Island, through which the majority of Iranian oil exports have passed.

The sequence began after Iran struck three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iranian officials have expressed differing views on strategy, with some emphasizing retention of influence over the waterway and others seeking a permanent agreement that would lift sanctions and ease economic pressures.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, involved in negotiations for a final settlement, posted on X that further U.S. actions would meet resistance. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to Trump’s comments by stating they indicated a policy failure rather than strength.

Negotiations for a comprehensive agreement were scheduled to begin after Khamenei’s funeral, which concluded Thursday and was intended to coincide with reduced tensions. The remaining issues include reopening the strait to full traffic and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.