Al Jazeera
centerREPORTIran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait and ships in Hormuz after new US strikes

Full BriefGenerated 57d ago
What Happened
On Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed drone strikes on US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, targeting Sheikh Isa airbase, Ali Al Salem airbase, and Ahmad Al-Jaber airbase. The IRGC also said it struck two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and declared the waterway 'closed until further notice,' affecting all traffic. The attacks were in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian territory, which the US Central Command said were ordered by President Donald Trump 'in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.' Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island, in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Kargan, wounding at least two people. The US strikes also hit the ports of Sirik, Jask, and Bandar Abbas. The exchange follows a Wednesday tit-for-tat escalation after Iran downed a US Apache helicopter, and Iran claimed prior attacks on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the Azraq airbase in Jordan.
Key Actors
- ·IRGC(Iranian military force responsible for external operations)Launched drone strikes on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, targeted tankers, and shut the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US strikes.
- ·US Central Command(US military command overseeing Middle East operations)Conducted strikes on Qeshm Island and Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz on President Trump's orders.
- ·President Donald Trump(President of the United States)Ordered renewed strikes on Iran, accused Tehran of stalling peace negotiations, and threatened further attacks.
- ·President Masoud Pezeshkian(President of Iran)Warned against targeting critical infrastructure and asserted Iran would stand firm against pressure.
Why It Matters
The rapid escalation between the United States and Iran risks a broader regional conflict, directly threatening global energy security by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global energy supplies previously flowed. It jeopardizes fragile ceasefire and indirect nuclear talks, with Iran demanding sanctions relief and an end to Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon as conditions for a deal. The closure of the strait and attacks on oil tankers already drive up oil and food prices, with worldwide economic repercussions.
Watch For
Immediate monitoring should focus on whether Iran enforces the declared Strait of Hormuz closure and if any vessels attempt passage. Watch for further US strikes, especially given Trump's threats to target power plants and bridges. Diplomatic signals from the indirect talks will be critical: note any movement on Iran's demands (asset freezes, sanctions relief, Lebanon ceasefire) and the US response. Also, track oil price fluctuations and potential international naval responses to the strait closure.
Generated 57d ago · Based on full articleAuto-Compiled
This page aggregates and summarizes reporting from Al Jazeera. The Conflict Pulse does not author original reporting. Read the original source for full coverage.
CONFLICT OVERVIEW
Iran
Latest verified updates on Iran’s regional confrontation, U.S.–Israeli strikes, missile retaliation, proxy networks, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz risks.
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