US Strikes Iranian Airbase, Iran Retaliates Across Gulf; Trump Threatens Escalation
US President Donald Trump has shared footage of a new American strike on an airbase in Iran's southeastern city of Iranshahr, which was partially used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The attack marks the second consecutive day of US military action against Iran. Trump told reporters that the US would hit Iranian targets 20 times harder than any Iranian attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple locations along the southern coast, including Bushehr (site of a nuclear power plant), Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik. The Iranshahr airbase was also hit by US fire.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, raising fears of a broader conflict that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in the Persian Gulf. The Associated Press noted that Thursday's Iranian attacks appeared larger than previous ones. However, no damage was immediately reported in the three Gulf countries. Kuwait's military said it was actively intercepting incoming drones and missiles.
Trump claimed that Tehran wanted a ceasefire deal 'badly,' a day after he said the interim memorandum of understanding between the two nations was 'over.' 'Iran called a while ago. They want to make a deal so badly. I just don't know if they are worthy,' Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. He did not provide details of the call, including who was on the line, and cast doubt on any deal, calling the Iranians 'sort of crazy.'
Trump renewed threats to hit Iran's civilian infrastructure, including electric and desalination plants, and to seize Kharg Island, a major oil export hub. 'Anything that happens is going to happen very fast,' he said, while also suggesting the US military might 'just finish the job.' Despite declaring the interim deal 'over' after three tankers were hit Tuesday, Trump said he would allow negotiations to continue.
Iran responded defiantly. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a key negotiator, stated on X that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened only under 'Iranian arrangements.' He said: 'The United States still has not learned that bullying and breaking its promises no longer come without consequences. If you strike, you will be struck.'
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's threats as a sign of weakness, saying: 'Trump's statements today... are not a sign of strength, but rather an admission of the failure of a policy built on brute force.' Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also criticised Trump's language, asserting that addressing Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness.
The exchange of strikes and rhetoric has escalated tensions in the region, threatening a fragile interim deal aimed at ending the war in the Persian Gulf. No immediate diplomatic breakthroughs have been reported.
