US Intensifies Military Strikes on Iran; Iran Retaliates Against US Assets

Iran. The United States has further intensified military action against Iran, launching a new phase of airstrikes on southern coastal areas and strategic ports. In response, Iran has claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks towards Kuwait and Jordan, stating that US military assets were targeted. This increases the risk of the war in the Middle East further spreading.

According to the US military, the latest attacks targeted areas including Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz and Greater Tunb Island. Iranian media have confirmed explosions in the areas of Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Sirik, Konarak, and Rask. Air defense systems were also activated near Tehran's Pakdasht and the capital region.

Meanwhile, the US military has reported disabling an oil tanker heading towards an Iranian port with a Hellfire missile strike as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. It has also claimed that two other ships heading towards Iran were forced to change course.

Iran has stated that in retaliation for the US attack, it targeted US military assets in Kuwait and Jordan with missiles and drones. Kuwait has claimed to have shot down four cruise missiles and 21 drones, while air raid sirens were also sounded in Bahrain. Gulf countries have stated that Iran's attack is a violation of international law.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has stated that the explosions heard in Pakdasht near Tehran and the Parچین military center area were due to air defense actions and that there were no human casualties. It has also been confirmed that parts of Semnan Airport in north-central Iran were hit by airstrikes, although officials stated that residential areas were not affected.

According to Iran's Ministry of Health, at least 35 people have been killed and over 300 injured in the ongoing US attacks.

With the increasing spread of the war, diplomatic efforts have become more complicated. Analysts in Qatar have stated that the role of mediators is becoming difficult as the US continues its attacks and Iran continues its retaliatory actions against US assets in neighboring Arab countries.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stated that a diplomatic solution is still possible. However, he has clearly indicated that military pressure on Iran will be further increased. The Trump administration has stated that its policy of stopping Iran's nuclear weapons program and increasing pressure on Tehran will continue. After Trump mentioned civilian structures such as power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure as potential targets, criticism has also increased, citing potential violations of international law.