Play store
The United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes on Tuesday, further escalating tensions in the Gulf as both sides hardened their positions despite renewed talk of diplomacy.
The US military said it struck 90 targets across Iran during a second consecutive night of operations. According to US Central Command, the strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported explosions along the country’s southern coast and said strikes also hit Iranian-controlled islands in the Gulf.
In response, several Gulf countries reported Iranian attacks on US military facilities. Tehran said it had targeted American bases in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran’s chief negotiator with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Washington “still hasn’t learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran wanted “to make a deal” but questioned its credibility, saying, “I don’t know if they’re worthy.” His remarks came less than 24 hours after he described renewed negotiations as “a waste of time.”
The latest exchange has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with security analysts warning that the current cycle of retaliation risks further destabilising the Gulf.
