Kuwait city: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a retaliatory missile strike targeting an American air base in the region, following recent US military actions against Iranian sites. The escalation comes amid increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the potential to derail ongoing ceasefire efforts.
According to Ghana Web, the Iranian missile launch was a direct response to US strikes on Iranian military positions in Bandar Abbas, a crucial port city in southern Iran. The US actions, which included shooting down Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz, were described by Washington as self-defense measures. The IRGC stated that their attack targeted "the source" of these US strikes, as reported by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.
Kuwait, which is home to a US military base, reported intercepting "hostile missile and drone threats" but did not specify the intended target. US Central Command (Centcom) condemned Iran's actions as a "ceasefire violation," highlighting that the attack occurred shortly after Iranian forces launched multiple attack drones near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Centcom defended its military response, describing it as "measured and purely defensive," aimed at maintaining the fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baqai, criticized the US strikes as a breach of the ceasefire, asserting that Iran would take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
Kuwait's foreign affairs ministry condemned what it called "criminal Iranian attacks" on its territory. The situation has heightened the urgency for a diplomatic resolution, with both sides previously indicating potential progress towards an agreement to end hostilities.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on the "Persian Gulf Strait Authority," responsible for charging passage fees through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessels complying with the authority could face sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the US's unwillingness to tolerate any tolling system in the waterway, particularly cautioning Oman about potential repercussions.
Amid these tensions, former President Trump reiterated his readiness to resume large-scale military actions if Iran does not meet US terms, despite earlier optimism about a possible peace agreement. The conflict has severely impacted global energy trade, with the Strait of Hormuz being a critical conduit for the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
As negotiations to resolve the three-month conflict continue, the international community remains watchful of developments that could further destabilize the region and impact global markets.