US Hits Iran Again as Tehran Strikes Back Across the Middle East

The United States and Iran exchanged new military strikes across the Middle East for a second straight day, increasing fears that the fragile ceasefire reached in April could collapse completely. The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and both sides continue to trade accusations.

US Launches New Attacks on Iranian Military Targets

US Central Command said it carried out a series of “self-defense strikes” against military, surveillance and radar facilities in southern Iran. The attacks came shortly after President Donald Trump warned that US forces would hit Iran “hard” again, saying Iranian leaders had taken too long to negotiate a permanent agreement to end the conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the warning, stating that Iran had been given an opportunity to make a deal but failed to do so.

Iran Responds With Regional Missile Attacks

Iran responded by launching strikes against US military assets across the region. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at a US command center in Jordan and targeted military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Bahrain activated air raid sirens overnight, while Kuwait said its air defense systems intercepted hostile aerial targets and temporarily closed the country’s airspace.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Shake Oil Markets

The IRGC also claimed it struck two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported the strategic waterway had been completely closed, although US officials said commercial vessels were still moving through the route.

The developments pushed Brent crude oil prices up about 2% to around $95 per barrel.

UN Calls for Diplomacy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would stand firm against pressure and threats. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the Middle East was being pulled deeper into crisis, describing the current situation as a “lesser-fire” that could quickly become a larger conflict if diplomacy fails.