US Strikes 140 Iranian Targets Amid Gulf Tensions

The United States conducted strikes on approximately 140 Iranian targets early Sunday in response to an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz that resulted in a fire and one missing crew member. Iran retaliated with attacks targeting several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. These escalating actions raise concerns about the interim deal reached between Iran and the U.S. on June 17, which initiated a 60-day period aimed at a permanent end to the conflict. The midpoint of this period falls within the current week, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas supply, has become a central point of contention, with recent fighting jeopardizing the negotiations.

The U.S. military's Central Command stated that Sunday's strikes, which were more extensive than those in recent days, targeted missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots, communication equipment, and other facilities. The objective was to diminish Iran's capacity to threaten maritime traffic. President Donald Trump commented on the strikes, stating, "We bombed the hell out of them last night." Semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported the death of a navy officer. Iran's retaliatory actions were directed at nations hosting U.S. military forces, while Tehran reiterated its claim to sole control over the strait and the potential to levy fees on vessels traversing it.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and a key negotiator, stated, "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking." This exchange highlights the breakdown in diplomatic efforts. The U.S. has launched three rounds of airstrikes against Iran in the past week in response to Iranian attacks on ships navigating the strait via a route near Oman, an effort to circumvent Iran's territorial waters. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20% of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its strategic importance and the significant impact of Iran's control over this waterway.