New US raids on Iran, Tehran responds by attacking Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

The situation between the United States and Iran has escalated dramatically over the past two days, marking a new phase of conflict in the Persian Gulf. On July 8, U.S. forces launched additional airstrikes against Iranian military targets, targeting approximately 90 locations, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance infrastructure, missile and drone depots, naval capabilities, and logistics facilities along the Iranian coast. These strikes were carried out under orders from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that the attacks aimed to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten civilian vessels and sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation followed a successful strike conducted the previous night, during which around 80 Iranian military objectives were hit, including more than 60 vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The response from Tehran was swift and severe. According to reports from Iranian state media, the Iranian military retaliated by launching drone attacks against sites in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. These strikes targeted a U.S.-supplied Patriot missile defense system in Kuwait, rapid warning systems in Qatar, and fuel storage facilities in Bahrain. The attacks were described as part of a broader effort to counter U.S. operations in the region, with officials claiming they were in direct continuity with prior Iranian actions against American bases. This marked a significant shift, as it was the first time since the June 16 ceasefire agreement that Iran had directly attacked U.S. allies in the Gulf.

The impact of these developments has been immediate and alarming. The flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil exports, has nearly ground to a halt. According to Bloomberg, only 14 commercial vessels passed through the strait in both directions on July 8, far below the average of about 34 ships per day recorded earlier this month. Some analysts suggest that certain vessels may have disabled their transponders to avoid detection, raising concerns about safety and security. The disruption has raised fears among international traders and energy markets, with potential implications for global oil prices and supply chains.

The U.S. administration has signaled its preparedness for an extended period of hostilities. A spokesperson from the White House noted that the conflict could last several days or even weeks, depending on Iran's next moves. The Department of Defense has emphasized that U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready to conduct operations as directed by the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, known for his combative rhetoric, warned on social media that the situation would worsen significantly if Iran continued its attacks on U.S. assets. He also shared images of the bombings, reinforcing his stance that the United States would respond decisively to threats.

In contrast, the Iranian delegation has taken a firm but measured approach. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran’s parliamentary negotiations with the U.S., issued a statement condemning America’s “arrogance and lack of loyalty,” stating that such behavior would not go unanswered. He called for a return to diplomatic channels, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz would only reopen under conditions favorable to Iran. His remarks reflect growing frustration within Iran’s leadership, particularly among hardline factions who feel that recent agreements with the U.S. have failed to deliver tangible benefits.

Internally, tensions within Iran appear to be rising. Reports indicate that there were signs of discord following the funeral ceremonies for former Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the U.S. operation known as Epic Fury. The New York Times reported that radical elements within the Islamic Republic have begun targeting government officials involved in the difficult task of negotiating with the West. Such internal divisions may complicate efforts to maintain a unified front against U.S. pressure.

As the crisis unfolds, the focus remains on the potential for further escalation. With both sides demonstrating readiness to escalate hostilities, the risk of a regional war involving other Gulf states grows. Diplomatic efforts, though still ongoing, face mounting challenges as trust between the parties continues to erode. The coming days will likely determine whether the conflict can be contained or if it will spiral into a larger confrontation with potentially catastrophic consequences for global stability.