DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The United States carried out a second round of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, escalating a rapidly widening conflict as Iran responded with attacks targeting several Gulf states and Jordan.
The renewed U.S. strikes came after President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations. Iranian forces, in turn, launched missile and drone attacks toward Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Widening Military Escalation
According to U.S. Central Command, the latest American strikes ended just before sunrise and targeted Iranian military surveillance systems, communication networks, and air defense sites. The military did not provide details on the extent of the damage.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and other southern regions near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the strikes hit a manufacturing complex, a military barracks, and a local base outside the capital.
Jordan said it intercepted 20 Iranian missiles aimed at an area hosting a U.S. military base, with no reported casualties. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported that falling debris from intercepted projectiles injured an 11-year-old girl and damaged several homes and vehicles. Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace following the attacks.
Strikes on Maritime Targets and Rising Maritime Risks
Tensions also extended to maritime routes. An Indian official confirmed that three Indian mariners were killed following a U.S. strike on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, which Washington accused of violating an oil blockade involving Iran. The U.S. military said it disabled the ship by striking its engine room.
The International Maritime Organization condemned the attack, noting that 43 incidents have targeted international shipping in the region since the conflict began. Another tanker near Oman reportedly caught fire on Thursday, though the cause remains unclear.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Economic Impact
Iran has threatened to maintain pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, as oil prices continue to rise. The international crude benchmark traded above $93 a barrel this week, marking an increase of more than 25% since the start of the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had carried out a “secret mission” to escort oil shipments through the strait at night, helping more than 100 million barrels of oil bypass Iranian interference. The Pentagon has not confirmed the figure.
Despite U.S. claims that commercial shipping continues, maritime authorities warn that the region remains highly dangerous.
Diplomatic Efforts Struggle
Efforts to reach a ceasefire remain stalled. Iran continues to insist on maintaining its nuclear enrichment program, while the United States demands that Tehran surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iran has also called for the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets before any final agreement. Washington has rejected these conditions.
A Qatari diplomatic delegation involved in mediation efforts reportedly left Tehran on Thursday after holding talks, though no breakthrough was announced.
Regional Stakes Rise
The conflict has now involved multiple regional actors, with Israel also warning residents in its northern areas to take shelter following suspected fire from Lebanon.
As hostilities intensify, both Washington and Tehran appear to be seeking a path toward de-escalation while trying to frame any potential deal as a political victory at home.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has meanwhile maintained a hardline stance, pushing for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and weakening of Iranian-aligned groups across the region.
