Washington: US President Donald Trump has shared a video and image of a fresh American strike targeting an airbase in Iran’s southeastern city of Iranshahr, as the United States continued military operations against Iranian targets for a second consecutive day.
The latest strikes come amid rapidly escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Trump warning that any future Iranian attacks would be met with a response “20 times harder” than the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Fresh US Strikes Hit Iranian Military Targets
According to Iranian state media, explosions were reported across several locations along Iran’s southern coastline following the latest US military operation.
Among the locations where blasts were reported were:
- Iranshahr, where an airbase partially used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was targeted.
- Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex.
- The southern port cities of Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Konarak, and Sirik.
The strikes mark the second straight day of US military action against Iran following escalating tensions over attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks Across Gulf Region
In response, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, further raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
According to the Associated Press, Thursday’s Iranian attacks appeared broader than previous exchanges.
While there were no immediate reports of significant damage in the Gulf nations, Kuwait’s military said it was actively intercepting incoming drones and missiles.
Trump Says Iran Wants A Deal
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump claimed that Iran had reached out to the United States in an effort to negotiate.
“Iran called a while ago. They want to make a deal so badly. I just don’t know if they are worthy. I don’t know if they are going to honour the deal. That’s the problem,” Trump said.
The US President did not disclose who contacted Washington but questioned whether Tehran could be trusted to honour any future agreement.
He also described Iranian leaders as “sort of crazy” while reiterating that the United States remained prepared to intensify military action if necessary.
Fresh Threats Against Iranian Infrastructure
Trump renewed earlier warnings that the US could target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if hostilities continued.
He specifically mentioned potential strikes on:
- Electric power facilities
- Desalination plants
- The strategically important Kharg Island oil-export terminal
“Anything that happens is going to happen very fast,” Trump said, adding that the US military might “just finish the job.”
Earlier this week, after three commercial tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched strikes on Iranian targets, with Trump declaring that, from his perspective, the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran was effectively “over.”
However, he also indicated that diplomatic negotiations would still be allowed to continue.
Iran Rejects US Threats
Iranian leaders responded with strong warnings of their own, insisting that the country retains the right to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the interim arrangement.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been involved in negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement, issued a stern message on social media.
“The United States still has not learned that bullying and breaking its promises no longer come without consequences,” he wrote.
“Let me be clear: If you strike, you will be struck.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also criticised Trump’s remarks, saying they reflected the failure of years of pressure and sanctions rather than American strength.
“Trump’s statements today, from insulting the Iranian nation to threatening further attacks, are not a sign of strength, but rather an admission of the failure of a policy built on brute force, sanctions, and threats for years, which could not bring the Iranian nation to its knees. With the criminal and murderous Trump, one must speak in his own language; apparently, he understands the language of force better,” he wrote on X.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also condemned Trump’s comments.
“Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour,” he posted on X.
Military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Mohsen Rezaei also warned that “The aggressor enemy and its accomplices will be severely punished.”
Conflict Continues Ahead Of Khamenei’s Funeral
The latest escalation comes just ahead of the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening stages of the conflict on February 28.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, Tehran has insisted on controlling maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, introducing new transit conditions and threatening vessels that do not comply with Iranian regulations.
Iran’s military has reportedly targeted at least three commercial ships in recent days, prompting extensive US retaliation followed by further Iranian counterstrikes.
Speaking during the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump reiterated his determination to respond forcefully.
“We’re gonna hit ’em hard tonight,” he said. “They violate the agreement every day.”
He later added that “anything that happens is going to be over very quickly.”
The renewed military exchanges have also rattled global energy markets, with oil prices reportedly surging by nearly 8% after Trump’s earlier remarks that the ceasefire arrangement was effectively “over.”