Iran retaliated against Bahrain and Kuwait with missile strikes after the US military launched attacks on Iranian targets in response to the targeting of three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US strikes, which hit Iranian air defense systems, radars, and over 60 small boats used by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, were aimed at imposing “heavy costs” for attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The attacks on shipping and the resulting strikes came during the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in the war’s first moments at age 86.
The US military’s Central Command said American forces launched the strikes to hold Iran accountable for targeting and attacking commercial shipping, and that the round of attacks had ended.
Iran acknowledged the strikes but offered no word on any losses, while Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirik.
Regional Implications
The regional crossfire raised the risks that an interim agreement to halt fighting in the war could break down, putting the Middle East again at risk of a wider conflict.
The US also revoked a license that authorized the sale of Iranian oil as part of the interim deal, which had allowed Iran to conduct oil sales openly on the international market for US dollars.
