The United States (US) and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes for a second consecutive day on Thursday, further undermining a fragile ceasefire agreement and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.
The latest escalation follows the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, triggering a series of retaliatory attacks by both sides. The renewed hostilities have cast doubt over efforts to secure a lasting peace deal and end a conflict that began in February with large-scale US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.
According to the US military, its latest operation targeted Iranian military surveillance systems, communication networks and air defence installations. Washington described the strikes as a response to what it called continued Iranian aggression.
US President Donald Trump warned that further military action could follow if Tehran does not agree to an immediate peace settlement. His comments contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices, which extended gains in Asian trading hours.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacks on multiple US military facilities in the region, including targets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Iranian media reported missile and drone strikes on the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and the Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan.
Regional authorities said air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats. Bahrain reported successfully repelling aerial attacks, while Kuwait confirmed engagement with hostile targets.
The situation has also increased tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor. Iran warned that vessels attempting to pass through the waterway could face military action. However, US Central Command rejected Iranian claims that the strait had been closed or that American naval vessels had been struck.
Meanwhile, fighting continued in southern Lebanon, where Israeli air strikes and Hezbollah attacks added to regional instability. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange demands over sanctions, security concerns and broader regional issues.
The renewed violence has heightened fears of prolonged instability, with significant implications for global energy markets and regional security.