The United States and Iran traded heavy blows on Wednesday, shattering a fragile ceasefire and plunging the Gulf into a dangerous new escalation. US Central Command struck roughly 90 Iranian military targets, including air defenses, missile depots, radar systems, and coastal infrastructure, killing at least 14 people and wounding 78 across five provinces.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting both Gulf states to condemn the strikes as violations of their sovereignty. A Qatari tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions choked the critical waterway. Iran's parliament speaker declared the Strait would open only on Iranian terms and said the "era of bullying is over."
President Donald Trump declared the existing memorandum of understanding with Iran dead and threatened further action, even as Pakistan urged both sides to exercise restraint. The US also revoked a license authorizing Iranian oil sales under the now-defunct interim deal.