Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, July 16

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes on Thursday, intensifying a regional conflict that has raised concerns over security in the Gulf and disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said it launched attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, while US forces carried out overnight strikes against military targets across Iran for a sixth consecutive day.

The US military said the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems and coastal surveillance facilities, including sites near Bandar Abbas and Greater Tunb Island, describing the action as an effort to reduce threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Chabahar, where air defence systems were activated.

Kuwait said it intercepted drones, while Bahraini authorities urged residents to seek shelter.

The latest exchanges come amid growing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil exports.

Shipping activity through the waterway has been disrupted, contributing to higher international oil prices.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that further military action could follow unless Tehran returned to negotiations, while also raising the possibility of targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.

Iranian officials rejected the pressure, saying the country’s security interests remained non-negotiable.

Senior Iranian figures warned that any attack on strategic or civilian infrastructure would trigger a broader response against US interests in the region.

Iran’s state news agency reported that Tehran would not tolerate foreign interference in the Strait of Hormuz and vowed a stronger response if hostilities expanded.

Despite the military escalation, Washington welcomed Iran’s release of a US detainee, describing the move as a positive gesture amid an increasingly volatile confrontation.