Tensions between Iran and the United States intensified this week as Tehran launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. military bases and allied facilities across the Gulf region, following reported casualties in Iran. The escalation has prompted concerns over a broader regional conflict and calls for restraint from international leaders.
On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned recent U.S. actions, describing them as a continuation of a series of attacks that included an assault on a residential home in Sirik where a wedding celebration was taking place. According to Baghaei, more than 50 people were killed or injured in that attack. He emphasized that the violence in Sirik must be understood in the context of previous strikes in Minab, Lamerd, Qeshm, and other locations, as well as attacks on Iranian military targets justified by Washington. The spokesman warned against normalizing such bombings and stated that Iran would respond firmly to what he characterized as “savage crimes.”
Iranian state media reported fresh strikes on several cities including Konarak, Bandar Abbas, Jask, Asaloyeh, and Ahvaz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that four members of its Aerospace Force had been killed in a U.S. attack in Kermanshah Province, according to the Tasnim News Agency.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that American forces had conducted strikes on Iranian targets near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the attacks were in retaliation for what he described as Iran’s failed attempt to deploy sea mines in the waterway and an earlier missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, where eight missiles were reportedly intercepted and destroyed. Trump threatened further and more severe retaliation should Iran respond.
The U.S. Central Command reported completing a series of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, including air defense systems, radar installations, maritime resources, mine-laying capabilities, and communication centers.
In addition to strikes on U.S. bases, regional security forces reported increased hostile activities attributed to Iran. Bahrain's Defense Force accused Iran of targeting civilians and conducting systematic hostile operations. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior issued security alerts for the public. In Kuwait, firefighters subdued a blaze at a residential complex in Kuwait City after it was reportedly hit by an Iranian drone. The IRGC announced drone attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, along with strikes on the Ali Al-Salem base in Kuwait.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, calling the actions a dangerous escalation that threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore regional security and stability.
In response to the growing crisis, several regional and international figures called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged both the United States and Iran to avoid further conflict, stressing the importance of protecting civilian populations and respecting the sovereignty of other nations. He warned that economic sanctions affecting civilians risk worsening the crisis rather than resolving it.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi expressed hope that diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran would be maintained despite recent tensions, emphasizing Islamabad’s continued support for dialogue over confrontation.