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

The United States has launched new airstrikes against Iran, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf as Tehran retaliates by targeting Arab states. The conflict has drawn sharp statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the situation could worsen significantly if Iran continues its attacks. These developments mark another chapter in a volatile regional standoff that has intensified over recent weeks. According to reports from the U.S. Central Command, American forces conducted additional strikes against Iranian military targets on July 8, aiming to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack targeted approximately 90 military objectives, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance infrastructure, missile and drone storage facilities, naval capabilities, and logistics sites along the Iranian coast. This follows a previous strike on July 7, which reportedly hit around 80 Iranian military assets, including more than 60 vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The U.S. military emphasized its readiness to conduct direct operations under the command of the top commander. The impact of these strikes has been severe. According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, 14 people have died and 78 others were injured in two days of attacks. Explosions were reported in several cities near the Strait of Hormuz, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik. The Iranian government has also confirmed that its forces have responded to the U.S. actions by launching attacks on bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain using drones. These strikes were described by Iranian state media as part of a continuous effort to counter U.S. military presence in the region. The disruption caused by the U.S.-led strikes has severely affected shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Bloomberg reports indicate that traffic through this critical waterway is nearly paralyzed, with only a few vessels—such as a super tanker subject to sanctions—passing through the area. While some ships may have disabled their transponders to avoid detection, the overall volume remains far below normal levels. On Wednesday, only 14 vessels passed through the strait in both directions compared to an average of 34 per day in June when the ceasefire was in effect. The White House has signaled that the conflict could persist for several weeks, with officials preparing for what they describe as a potential cycle of clashes. Axios reported that U.S. administration insiders suggest the duration and intensity of the operation will depend entirely on Iran's next moves. The administration is cautious but prepared for an extended period of heightened hostilities, emphasizing its commitment to protecting commercial interests in the region. President Trump has taken a particularly strong stance, warning that the situation would deteriorate significantly if Iran continues its attacks. In a statement on his social media platform, he called the U.S. strikes a retaliation for Iran’s bombing of merchant ships and warned that further Iranian aggression would lead to even greater consequences. Trump also shared images of the bombings, reinforcing his message of firmness toward Iran. In response to the U.S. actions, Iranian officials have accused Washington of intimidation and broken promises, stating that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Iran’s conditions are met. Meanwhile, internal Iranian factions appear to be divided, with some hardline elements within the leadership expressing frustration over the limited benefits derived from the recent agreement with the United States. Tensions have also surfaced during mourning ceremonies for former Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the early hours of the operation known as "Epic Fury." As diplomatic efforts seem to waver once again, the international community watches closely. With the possibility of prolonged conflict looming, the stakes continue to rise, affecting global oil markets and regional stability. The coming days will likely determine whether this confrontation escalates into a broader crisis or if diplomatic channels can yet find a way to de-escalate the situation.