US Strikes Iranian Sites for Second Night; Tehran Warns of Retaliation
The United States conducted a second consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday, following reports of an Iranian attack on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said it hit 10 Iranian sites, including surveillance, communication, and air defence systems, as well as drone storage and minelaying capabilities.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were in response to what it described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement by Iran. CENTCOM stated that Iran launched a one-way attack drone that struck the Panama-flagged tanker 'KIKU', which was carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil. The crew was reported safe, and commercial shipping continued through the Strait of Hormuz, though US forces remained on alert.
The US had also struck Iranian positions on Friday after accusing Tehran of attacking a cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation brings renewed tension to ceasefire negotiations that had aimed to end the ongoing conflict.
US President Donald Trump warned that if the US were forced to resume military operations, the Islamic Republic of Iran would 'no longer exist.' In a post on Truth Social, he said it was 'very possible' that Iran would 'never learn.' The warning came after the second round of strikes.
Iran responded with threats of its own. The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that US bases in the Gulf region would 'experience hell in the coming days.' The IRGC claimed it had 'destroyed' eight US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and the Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. The Kuwaiti army confirmed it was intercepting drone attacks but did not attribute them to any specific source.
The situation remains tense, with air defence systems active in several Gulf countries. Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain calm and take shelter. The claims from both sides have not been independently verified.
