US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday that the United States would be “hitting them hard tonight”, signalling the possibility of fresh military action as tensions escalated following overnight US strikes and Tehran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
Speaking to reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, Trump described Iran as the “bully of the Middle East”, said it could never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and referred to its leadership as “cuckoo”.
The latest developments came on the 21st day after Washington and Tehran signed the memorandum of understanding and 130 days since the outbreak of the war.
Latest developments here
Trump says Iran ‘behaving very badly’
US President Donald Trump said Iran was “behaving very badly” and reiterated that Washington’s objective was to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, not to pursue regime change.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ankara, Trump said he was “not happy with what the Iranians are doing” and warned that the United States would continue to respond if necessary.
Iranian media report strikes on coastal infrastructure
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that US forces struck coastal areas in the southern provinces of Hormozgan, Bushehr and Khuzestan early on Wednesday, describing the attacks as a violation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
According to the report, at least 10 explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, while civilian sites, including port infrastructure, fishing facilities and coastal control centres, were among the locations hit.
Watch: IRGC releases footage of missile launches
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released footage it said showed ballistic missiles being launched at US targets in Kuwait and Bahrain during Wednesday’s operation.
The footage appeared to show one of the missiles bearing an inscription reading, “On behalf of the warriors of the front line of the economy”, along with references to Iran’s ports, including Shahid Rajaee Port.
The IRGC presented the strikes as retaliation for damage caused to Iran’s ports.
Indian tanker reportedly redirected in Strait of Hormuz
An Indian oil tanker was reportedly turned back from the Omani shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and directed to use a route designated by Iran instead, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
Fars reported that the tanker attempted to transit through the temporary maritime corridor established along Oman’s coast before being instructed to turn back. It claimed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had been issuing radio warnings to vessels seeking to use the Omani corridor, directing them instead to navigate through a shipping lane approved by Tehran.
The agency also claimed ship-tracking data showed that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning used the route designated by Iran rather than the Omani corridor.
Erdogan backs Trump’s stance, offers mine-clearing support
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said US President Donald Trump’s firm stance on efforts to reach an agreement with Iran was “admirable”.
Erdogan also said Turkiye was prepared to take part in a possible mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz if required, signalling Ankara’s readiness to help safeguard one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Saudi tanker involved in Strait of Hormuz incident
Saudi shipping company Bahri said its giant oil tanker Widian was involved in an “accident” while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
The company said the vessel remained seaworthy and its cargo was safe. It added that all crew members were unharmed and no injuries had been reported.
Bahrain says Iranian aerial attacks intercepted
Bahrain’s Defence Force said it had intercepted and destroyed a number of Iranian aerial attacks targeting the kingdom.
The military urged residents to exercise caution and avoid approaching or touching any suspicious objects that may be remnants of the attacks. It also asked the public to immediately report any such objects to the authorities.
Trump says MoU with Iran is over
US President Donald Trump said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran was “over”, saying Washington had struck Iran “very powerfully” and that he no longer wanted to negotiate with Tehran.
He reiterated that the United States did not seek regime change in Iran but remained determined to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Trump described Iran as the “bully of the Middle East” and referred to its leadership as “evil” and “sick”, saying: “You’ve got to cut out cancer early.”
Thousands of seafarers remain stranded in Gulf
Nearly 6,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf following attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said on Wednesday.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attacks on several vessels over the past two days and urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint and de-escalation”.
“These reckless attacks have again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger,” Dominguez said in a statement issued after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran was over.
Iran warns against foreign landing
Iran warned that any foreign force attempting to land on its coastline would face a forceful response, with Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, acting Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, saying the country’s shores would become “hell” for any attackers.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Sayyari said Iran’s armed forces, the Basij and the public were fully prepared to defend the country.
“No matter how loudly the enemy threatens, it will not dare to land forces on our territory,” he said.
GCC condemns Iranian attacks
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, saying they undermined regional and international efforts to promote security, peace and resolve the crisis.
He described the attacks as a “blatant aggression” and a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty of both countries, warning that they posed a direct threat to regional security and breached international law and the United Nations Charter.
Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s full solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait and said the bloc supported all measures taken by the two countries to safeguard their security, stability and the safety of their citizens and residents.
Oman condemns attacks, urges return to diplomacy
Oman’s Foreign Ministry condemned Iran’s attacks on sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as on two commercial vessels from Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry reaffirmed Oman’s solidarity with its Gulf neighbours, warning that the escalating military confrontation threatened regional security, global trade and energy supplies.
It urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation and return to diplomacy.
Bandar Abbas airport reports no damage
Hormozgan province’s airports administration said no damage was caused to infrastructure or equipment at Bandar Abbas International Airport despite US attacks on the city overnight.
Bandar Abbas, the capital of Hormozgan province, is a strategic port city on the Strait of Hormuz and home to one of Iran’s principal naval bases.
Kuwait says missiles and drones intercepted
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said its air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones that entered the country’s airspace early on Wednesday.
Military spokesperson Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said the interceptions caused no casualties or material damage, adding that the armed forces remained on high alert to protect the country’s security.
EU urges restraint, backs Hormuz navigation
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the latest exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran had further complicated efforts to end the conflict.
She described Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as “unacceptable” and said Tehran’s recent attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz violated commitments made under the memorandum of understanding.
Kallas said EU foreign ministers would meet their Gulf counterparts on Monday to discuss support for implementing the agreement and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
EASA extends airspace warning
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Wednesday advised airlines not to operate in Iraqi and Iranian airspace until August 31, citing security tensions and the risk of further military action.
The updated safety bulletin replaced a previous notice that expired on Wednesday and also removed restrictions covering Lebanese airspace.
EASA also urged airlines to exercise caution when flying over Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia due to the volatile security situation.
Kuwait reports damage to power lines
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity said several overhead power lines were damaged by shrapnel during the Iranian attacks on Wednesday, but electricity supplies were not disrupted.
The ministry said emergency teams had begun assessing the damage and carrying out repairs in coordination with security authorities.
Oil prices jump after Trump’s remarks
Global oil prices rose by more than five per cent after US President Donald Trump declared the memorandum of understanding with Iran was over, AFP reported.
The sharp increase reflected growing concerns over a wider regional conflict and potential disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.
Iran warns of wider retaliation
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any location used to launch attacks against the country or provide support to US military operations would be considered a legitimate target for Iranian forces.
Two military bases attacked in Bushehr
Two military bases in Iran’s southern Bushehr province came under attack on Wednesday morning, a provincial official told Fars News Agency.
The official said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
IRGC reports sailor killed in Bandar Mahshahr
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said one of its personnel was killed in what it described as a US drone attack on Bandar Mahshahr on Wednesday morning.
The force said the serviceman was killed during what it called American “retaliatory” strikes, while Iranian state media reported the incident without immediately providing further details on the attack.
Iran warns neighbouring states
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reiterated its warning to neighbouring countries not to allow their territory to be used by the United States to launch attacks on Iran.
The ministry condemned what it described as a “blatant violation” of the interim agreement with Washington, saying alleged violations of Iran’s arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz and continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon were undermining the deal and rendering it ineffective.
Fresh explosions reported in Bushehr
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported hearing several explosions in the city of Bushehr and surrounding areas as tensions continued to rise following the US military operation.
The agency also dismissed reports of explosions on Kharg Island, saying those claims were false.
Fresh explosions heard in Bahrain
Fresh explosions were heard in Bahrain on Wednesday after air raid sirens sounded for the third time warning of attacks, according to AFP.
Earlier developments
CENTCOM details southern Iran operation
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was launched after three civilian-crewed commercial vessels were struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz in waters off Oman.
According to CENTCOM, US forces targeted more than 80 sites, including air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar installations and anti-ship missile capabilities. The military also said more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats were hit during the operation.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Kharg Island. State broadcaster IRIB claimed several of the strikes hit civilian areas, saying shrapnel from a projectile at the Sirik commercial pier wounded several people.
US revokes Iranian oil waiver
Hours before launching the military operation, Washington increased economic pressure on Tehran by revoking a temporary sanctions waiver covering Iranian oil exports.
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that General License X, issued on June 21, was revoked with effect from July 7 and replaced by General License X1.
The new licence permits only the wind-down of transactions previously authorised under General License X until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 17. It does not authorise any new production, purchases, sales, deliveries or loading of Iranian-origin crude oil, petroleum products or petrochemical products from July 7 onwards.
The waiver had been introduced in June as a temporary confidence-building measure during negotiations between Washington and Tehran. US officials quoted by Reuters said attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz made the decision to restore sanctions necessary.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US Treasury Department’s decision to revoke the temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, calling it a “clear and material” breach of Article 10 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The ministry accused Washington of repeatedly violating the agreement since it was signed on June 18 and warned that Iran would take all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s national interests and security.
Tehran condemns US action
Tehran accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding, saying the renewed sanctions and military operation undermined the agreement reached between the two sides.
In a post on X, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the United States breached the agreement by reinstating oil sanctions, attacking southern Iran, threatening further military action, interfering in the Strait of Hormuz and supporting continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Taking to X, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also condemned the revocation of the waiver and the strikes, describing them as violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. He warned that Iran would take decisive measures to safeguard the country’s national interests and security.
Meanwhile, the Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters condemned the US strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and warned that Iran’s military would deliver a “crushing response”. The command also said the Islamic Republic would not allow foreign interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that commercial ships and oil tankers should use routes designated by Iran.
Tehran retaliates across the Gulf
Hours later, the IRGC announced a coordinated missile and drone operation targeting 85 sites linked to US military infrastructure.
The force said the strikes targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, describing the operation as an initial response to US attacks on military and non-military sites in Hormozgan province and Mahshahr.
The IRGC also claimed its air defence systems shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Khormuj in Bushehr province, alleging the aircraft had entered Iranian airspace during the confrontation.
Gulf states raise security alert
The exchange prompted heightened security measures across the region.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location, while Kuwait activated air raid sirens nationwide.
The Kuwaiti military said it intercepted hostile missiles and drones, adding that explosions heard across the country were the result of successful interceptions. Authorities urged residents to follow official safety instructions.
Escalation overshadows Khamenei funeral
The latest escalation coincided with the arrival of the coffin of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Najaf Airport ahead of funeral prayers in Iraq before returning to Iran for burial on Thursday, July 9.
Iranian officials criticised the timing of the US strikes, saying they took place during one of the country’s most significant state ceremonies. During the funeral events, mourners repeatedly chanted slogans calling for the deaths of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Negotiators had been expected to resume discussions on a permanent settlement after Khamenei’s burial, with talks expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
