Iran War: US Launches Fresh Strikes After Hormuz Attacks; Iran Targets US Bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

BY: DW

Publish: Wed, 8 Jul 2026 (09:47 IST) Updated: Wed, 8 Jul 2026 (12:41 IST)

The US military completed a "round of retaliatory strikes" against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement. 

Over 80 targets were hit as part of the strikes, with Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks and other military infrastructure being hit, CENTCOM said, adding its forces remain "postured and prepared" to hold Iran accountable for any violation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the US.

CENTCOM listed the Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz as the reason for the strikes, labeling them an "unwarranted aggression" by Iran.

US military strikes on Iran up to five times more intense: report

The US army's strikes on Iran that took place tonight were four to five times more intense than the attacks launched by the US about a week and a half ago, Axios reported, citing a US official.

CNN reported the attacks were seen as a "punishment," adding they would continue for a certain period of time.

The US blamed Iran for targeting several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.

'Era of bullying over,' Iran's top negotiator says

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf reacted to the US strikes on Iran by listing what he labeled as "major" violations of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.

Among the issues listed by Qalibaf were the "persistent threats" of further strikes, as well as the Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

"The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don't fold," Qalibaf posted on his X account.

Rocket sirens sound in Bahrain

Sirens warning of incoming attacks have been sounded in Bahrain.

"Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the country's interior ministry posted on its official X account.

Bahrain was often targeted during the joint US-Israeli war with Iran, with Iran launching rockets and drones at the nearby country.

Sirens sound in Kuwait

Sirens warning of incoming attacks have sounded in Kuwait, the country's state news agency reported.

The Kuwaiti army said its air defenses are confronting "hostile" missile and drone attacks.

This comes after the US carried out strikes on Iran overnight. 

Iran says it targeted US military sites in Kuwait, Bahrain

Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they had targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to the US strikes in southern Iran.

The IRGC also said they downed a drone belonging to the US army in the country's south, according to Iranian media reports.