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The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran early Sunday after an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran against several Gulf nations and raising new concerns about the future of ceasefire negotiations.
According to U.S. Central Command, American forces struck about 140 targets across Iran, including missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots, communications equipment and other military infrastructure. The command said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the strategically important waterway.
“Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on social media.
The latest exchange marked the third round of U.S. airstrikes against Iran in the past week. U.S. officials have said the strikes were carried out in response to repeated Iranian attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by launching attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, all of which host U.S. military facilities. Iranian officials also reiterated their position that Tehran should control traffic through the strait and could require ships to pay for passage.
“The era of one-sided deals is OVER,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote Sunday. “We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.”
Air defense systems were activated across the Gulf region as missile alerts sounded in several countries. Qatar’s military said it intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. The country’s Interior Ministry said three people, including a child, were injured by falling debris from the interceptions.
Missile warnings were also issued in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Kuwait’s military reported intercepting incoming projectiles.
Oman’s state news agency said drones struck sites in the country’s northeastern region near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack came one day after Iranian and Omani officials held talks aimed at easing tensions.
Sirens also sounded in the United Arab Emirates, although government officials said no missiles entered the country’s airspace.
The latest escalation followed an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said the vessel suffered significant engine room damage after being struck and that one civilian crew member was initially reported missing. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said all crew members were Indian nationals.
