United States forces have finished targeted operations against Iranian military assets in several cities, according to the U.S. Central Command. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, come amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict, with Tehran maintaining control over the vital Strait of Hormuz and energy markets responding with higher oil prices.
U.S. Central Command reported that the airstrikes concluded at 9:04 p.m. ET, with the targets including Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication equipment, and air defense systems. The operation focused on Iranian sites considered threats to both American forces and international shipping in regional waters.
Following these actions, Iran announced intentions to retaliate. Missile warning sirens were heard in Bahrain—the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters—on Thursday morning. Kuwaiti defense officials noted that their air defenses had engaged incoming threats. Earlier, Iran had already fired missiles at sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, nations that host U.S. troops.
State-run media in Iran subsequently declared that Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Later, reports indicated that Iran’s top military authority had fully closed the strait, blocking passage to all shipping and threatening military action against any ships attempting to pass.
This latest exchange marks the third instance of cross-border strikes in a week, challenging a ceasefire that has lasted for around two months.
President Trump told Fox News that he had direct discussions with Iranian officials, who appealed for an end to the attacks, and signaled that current bombing operations would soon pause. He clarified that Israeli forces were not participating. Trump again called for Iran to negotiate a peace agreement to end the conflict, reiterating earlier expectations that a deal could be reached within days. Iran’s representative to the United Nations urged Washington to avoid further threats if it seeks meaningful negotiations.
Energy markets reacted quickly, with U.S. crude oil rose 1.88% to $91.72 a barrel at the time of 9:50 a.m. (Bangkok Time), while Brent climbed 1.57% to $94.56.
Both the U.S. and Iran have indicated interest in reaching an end to hostilities, although each side seeks to portray any outcome as a domestic success.
