WASHINGTON, July 8 – The United States carried out military strikes on Iran early Wednesday in response to what it described as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears that recent diplomatic efforts could collapse.
The strikes came just hours after Washington revoked a license allowing the sale of Iranian oil, increasing pressure on Tehran amid growing concerns over security in one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Iran responded by launching missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iranian officials. Both Gulf countries activated missile alerts as the situation unfolded.
U.S. President Donald Trump later declared that the interim agreement with Iran was effectively finished, although he said diplomatic negotiations could continue.
“For me, I think it’s over,” Trump told reporters when asked about the status of the agreement. He added that while American representatives were free to continue talks, he doubted they would produce meaningful results.
The renewed confrontation immediately rattled global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices surged by more than five percent after Trump’s remarks, reflecting fears that instability in the Strait of Hormuz could once again disrupt global oil supplies. The strategic waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas, making any disruption a major concern for international markets.
According to the U.S. Central Command, American forces targeted Iranian air defense systems, radar installations and more than 60 fast attack boats operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The military said the operation was intended to impose “heavy costs” on Iran for targeting commercial shipping in international waters.
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several parts of the country, including Bandar Mahshahr, where a Revolutionary Guard member was reportedly killed. Additional strikes were reported near Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex.
The latest military exchange comes during the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the opening phase of the recent conflict. The funeral period had been expected to provide an opportunity for reduced tensions before negotiations resumed on key issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite the renewed violence, neither Washington nor Tehran has formally withdrawn from planned negotiations.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, insisted that Tehran would not yield under pressure.
“The era of bullying and extortion is over,” he wrote on social media. “It leads nowhere. We don’t fold.”
Regional leaders also reacted strongly to the escalation. Senior United Arab Emirates diplomat Anwar Gargash described Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as evidence that Tehran remains unwilling to commit to de-escalation and move beyond the conflict.
The latest exchange follows a similar cycle of attacks and retaliation seen in recent weeks, highlighting the fragile security situation across the Gulf. With negotiations now under increased strain and oil markets reacting sharply, the renewed confrontation has heightened concerns about broader instability across the Middle East and its potential impact on the global economy.
