The US has stepped up its attacks on Iran, striking targets near Tehran and hitting a ship it accused of trying to break its blockade. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones at US allies in the region.
Six straight days of back-and-forth attacks risk pulling the region into a full-scale war and raise serious doubts about a temporary deal reached last month, which was meant to lead to a lasting peace.
The attacks have been accompanied by increasingly harsh rhetoric from both sides. The US has enforced its naval blockade, while Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, which before the conflict handled about a fifth of global oil and gas exports.
According to Reuters, Iran asked its allies in Yemen, the Houthis, to be ready to block the oil route through the Red Sea if the US targets Iranian energy infrastructure. If carried out, this threat could cripple the global energy market.
The US launched its latest round of strikes on Iran early Thursday, hitting areas around Tehran for the first time in this current conflict, as well as other provinces, according to Iranian state media. The US also said it fired on a tanker heading toward Kharg Island, Iran’s largest oil export terminal. US Central Command said it launched a Hellfire missile at the ship after it “ignored multiple warnings.”
Iranian authorities said US attacks had killed more than 35 people and wounded over 300 others in recent days.
Tehran accused the US of carrying out a “barbaric attack” after a cancer hospital in southwestern Iran was evacuated due to nearby strikes.
“This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israel’s atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused severe suffering and anxiety for the hospitalized children,” said Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, on X. He added that “211 patients undergoing chemotherapy” were evacuated.
Iran responded on Thursday with missiles and drones targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, which host US bases. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, also reported an overnight drone attack on the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The attack was intercepted, and it came as al-Zaidi pledged to disarm non-state armed groups during a trip to the US.
Iraqi authorities briefly suspended crude oil loading at all their terminals on Thursday after a drone hit an oil tanker in Basra without causing damage, according to Reuters. Loading resumed later that day.
Iran warned it could expand its attacks in the region in response to comments from US President Donald Trump, who said he could strike power plants, bridges, and a nuclear facility. “All the infrastructure in the region will be crushed under the steel blows of the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesperson.
“Under no circumstances will we allow America, as a foreign and outside power, to interfere in the strait. This is Iran’s inviolable red line.”
Zolfaghari added that the only way to reopen the strait is for the US to follow the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month, and to comply with “Iranian regulations” for ships passing through.
Much of the recent fighting has centered on the strait, as Iran and the US battle for control of this critical waterway.
The MoU signed last month stated that the strait should remain open for the 60-day period of the interim deal. However, the two sides interpret the MoU differently, with each insisting that ships use their own separate designated lanes.
The strait was almost completely closed by Iran after the war began, causing global energy prices and inflation to soar. Trump is eager to have theThe strait was reopened because higher energy prices could hurt Republican candidates in the fall midterm elections.
Shipping data showed that fewer vessels passed through the strait on Wednesday after the US blockade was reinstated and fighting continued. Nine ships—mostly using the Iranian-provided route rather than the US one—navigated the strait, compared to 13 on Tuesday.
India, one of the world’s largest suppliers of sailors to merchant ships, told shipowners and recruitment agencies not to send Indian sailors on vessels heading toward the strait.
“No Indian seafarers should be deployed on ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration said in a statement on Wednesday.
Oil prices have risen to around $85 a barrel—the highest in a month, but still below the wartime peak of $120. Analysts said that continued disruptions to shipping in the strait could push prices even higher, possibly reaching $100 a barrel.
The US has threatened to force the strait open by military means, but experts say such an operation would require thousands of ground troops.
Trump continues to insist that Iran is ready to make a peace deal, though Iranian officials say they will not give in to military pressure.
“They don’t like what we’re doing, and they do want to settle. We’ll find out whether we settle with them or just finish it off,” Trump said on Wednesday during a speech at the US Army War College.
Trump’s comments contradicted those of Iranian officials. Iran’s top negotiator and speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said in a statement, “We are in an essential and existential war with America.”
Mediators have tried to calm the rising tensions with little success. Pakistan’s foreign minister said on Thursday that the country was working to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table, but that it was becoming increasingly difficult.
“Whenever the parties exhaust the logic of escalation, the formula for peace is there,” foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a news conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the situation you described ranging from basic to more advanced questions
Basic Questions
Q Why is the US stepping up attacks on Iran
A The US says its to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to protect American troops and allies from attacks by Iranianbacked groups
Q Why would Iran retaliate against Gulf states instead of the US
A Iran often targets US allies in the Gulf because they host American military bases Hitting them is a way for Iran to pressure the US without directly attacking American soil
Q Which Gulf states are most at risk
A Usually Saudi Arabia the United Arab Emirates Bahrain and Qatar are the most at risk because they have major US military bases or are close US partners
Q Is this a war
A Not a fullscale war yet but its a serious escalation Its a cycle of attacks and counterattacks that could easily turn into a larger conflict
Intermediate Questions
Q How is Iran retaliating against Gulf states
A Iran uses its proxies like the Houthis in Yemen or Shia militias in Iraq to launch drones missiles or sea mines at Gulf oil facilities ports or airports They also use cyberattacks
Q What are the benefits for the US in attacking Iran now
A The US wants to weaken Irans military power especially its drone and missile programs before Iran gets a nuclear bomb It also aims to show strength to deter future attacks
Q What are the biggest risks for the Gulf states
A Their oil exports could be disrupted causing economic damage Civilian areas could be hit by stray missiles and their tourism and foreign investment could dry up due to instability
Q Can the Gulf states defend themselves
A Partially They have advanced USmade air defenses but they cant stop everything They rely heavily on US intelligence and military support to intercept incoming attacks
Advanced Practical Questions
Q What is a proxy and why does Iran use them
