Iran warns Washington of a strong response after US attacks; Kuwait intercepts missiles and drones while Qatar raises security alert
Tehran: Tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified after Iranian officials confirmed that at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured in US strikes, while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Iran’s Ministry of Health said the US strikes had affected five provinces, with emergency response teams and medical personnel deployed in affected areas. Officials added that three people were killed and several others injured in attacks on Khuzestan province.
The latest escalation follows threats by US President Donald Trump to target Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub, amid accusations that Tehran was involved in attacks on commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Rejecting Trump’s warning, Iranian officials issued a defiant response, saying the country was prepared to confront any military action.
“Come, we are waiting for you,” said Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, while warning that any attack on Kharg Island would face a strong response.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also dismissed US rhetoric, saying hostile statements would not weaken Iran’s resolve or national standing.
Iran Retaliates, Targets US Bases in Bahrain and Kuwait
Following the American strikes, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks against US military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to regional media reports.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems were activated to intercept Iranian missiles and drones, while Qatar placed security forces on a high alert amid growing concerns over a wider regional confrontation.
The United States defended its strikes, saying they were carried out in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and were aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
President Trump said the US action was a response to what he described as Iranian attacks on shipping vessels, warning that any further incidents could lead to a much more severe confrontation.
Tehran Issues Warning to Washington
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a strong warning to the United States, saying that future attacks would not go unanswered.
“If you attack, you will also be attacked,” Ghalibaf said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
He also rejected US pressure over the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway would operate only under arrangements determined by Iran.
“Do not continue these meaningless actions, otherwise you will find yourselves deeper in the crisis,” he warned.
The statement came as tensions continued to rise between Tehran and Washington, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a major global concern due to its role in international energy shipments.
US Strikes Damage Iranian Infrastructure
Iranian officials said American strikes hit several locations, including Bandar Abbas, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Authorities reported that a firefighter was killed during one of the attacks, while a railway bridge was also damaged.
The latest confrontation marks one of the most serious escalations between Iran and the United States in recent years, raising fears that the conflict could expand across the Gulf region and involve other countries hosting American military facilities.
With Gulf states increasing security measures and both sides exchanging warnings, international observers are closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation.
Also Read: Trump Says Iran Ceasefire Is Over as US Strikes Raise Global Oil, Pakistan Concerns
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