Trump warns of more attacks unless Tehran agrees to a peace deal; Iran launches retaliatory strikes on US-linked targets.
Image: Al Jazeera
The United States and Iran traded air and missile attacks for a second consecutive day on Thursday, raising fears that a fragile ceasefire could collapse. The latest escalation follows the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.
US forces said they targeted Iranian military surveillance, communications and air defence sites in response to what Washington described as continued aggression from Tehran. President Donald Trump warned that further strikes could follow unless Iran quickly agrees to a peace agreement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched retaliatory attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Kuwait and Bahrain reported that their air defence systems intercepted hostile aerial targets.
Tensions also grew around the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran claiming the strategic waterway was effectively closed and warning vessels against entering it. US Central Command rejected the claim, saying commercial shipping continued through the strait.
The renewed fighting has rattled global markets, pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns about energy supplies. Analysts warn that continued hostilities could further disrupt trade and complicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
