US Strikes Near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran on Thursday, hours after President Donald Trump threatened to escalate the conflict unless Iran ceased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted areas near Iran's only civilian nuclear power plant in Bushehr province, according to Iranian officials.
Ehsan Jahanian, the deputy governor of Bushehr, confirmed that several locations in the province were hit, including the perimeter of the nuclear power plant, a military base in Choghadak, and a fishing pier in the south. He reported no immediate casualties. The US military said it struck about 90 targets in Iran, releasing footage of attacks on missile launchers and a runway.
Iran Retaliates Against US Allies Kuwait and Qatar
Iran responded by targeting US-allied Kuwait and Qatar with ballistic missiles. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have fired 10 ballistic missiles at Jordan's Azraq military base, which is used by the US Air Force. Sirens sounded at least three times in Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet is headquartered. No damage was reported in Jordan or the Gulf states.
The tit-for-tat strikes marked the most intense exchange since the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at extending a ceasefire and facilitating negotiations for a permanent truce. Trump declared the MoU 'over' after Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Threatens Further Violence
Following the strikes, Trump posted videos of explosions in Iran on Truth Social, writing, 'This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!' He had earlier promised that strikes would be 'very fast' and not lead to long-term fighting.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bushehr. At least three people were killed in Khuzestan province, and a firefighter died at an airport in Iranshahr. Nine Iranian military personnel died in strikes on Wednesday. Iran accused the US of war crimes after two bridges in eastern provinces leading to Mashhad were targeted, which are key for cross-border trade with China.
Khamenei's Burial Amidst Attacks
The strikes occurred as Iran buried former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his hometown of Mashhad. A fighter jet escorted the plane carrying his coffin due to the tense security situation. More than 10 million people participated in funeral processions in Iraq, and thousands rallied in Beirut organized by Hezbollah.
Observers awaited whether Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, would attend the burial. He was wounded in the same strikes that killed his father and has since communicated only through written statements.
Oil Prices Spike and Recover
The attacks caused oil prices to rise before recovering later in the day after calm was restored. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for about 20% of the world's oil and gas. The US military said the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's capacity to 'threaten freedom of navigation' in the strait.
Iran's navy claimed that the number of ships transiting the strait had been restored to 50% of prewar levels and warned that any further US military action would trigger a 'crushing response.' The MoU calls for reopening the strait to commercial shipping for 60 days, but Iran insists on charging fees, conflicting with the US view that it is an international waterway.
Mediators Attempt to De-escalate
Mediators worked to de-escalate tensions. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key intermediary, spoke with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, condemning Tehran's strikes on ships in the strait. Significant gaps remain between the two countries over issues such as Iran's control over the strait and inspections of nuclear facilities.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a senior Iranian negotiator and parliament speaker, said on X: 'America still hasn't learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: if you strike, you'll get hit.' Negotiations toward a final deal were intended to start after the conclusion of Khamenei's seven-day funeral.
