At dawn on Thursday, the United States launched new air strikes on southern areas of Iran, hitting, according to an American official, a military facility that posed a threat to U.S. forces and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the actions were "deliberate and purely defensive" and intended to preserve the ceasefire regime. U.S. forces reportedly shot down Iranian drones and struck a ground-based launcher.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, saying Tehran fired a ballistic missile toward Kuwait and launched five drones into the Strait of Hormuz. American officials said they intercepted all five drones and prevented a sixth being launched from Bandar Abbas. Iran, in turn, condemned the attack: Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei called the strikes "barbaric" and expressed solidarity with Oman.
Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and activation of air defense systems. According to Tasnim agency, the target was a military facility near the city's airport, from which, Tehran claims, the American attack was launched. Kuwait also said its air defenses repelled the missile strikes and drone attacks, and that the sounds of explosions were linked to defensive systems at work.
Tehran confirmed it will not back down from its "red lines" despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. These include the right to uranium enrichment, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on regional countries for solidarity, and a spokesman for the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the likelihood of war is low, but the armed forces are prepared for any scenario.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that he might "settle the matter" with Iran if a more favorable deal is not reached. He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to all and denied rumors that Iran and Oman might take over shipping management as part of a deal. Trump also acknowledged he is not ready to accept proposals that do not suit Washington.
Amid the escalation, leaks emerged about a draft understanding brokered by Pakistan. Iranian television published a document providing for lifting the blockade of Iranian ports and withdrawal of U.S. troops. However, the White House called these papers "completely fabricated," although Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress in talks. The conflict, which began on February 28 between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, led to a temporary ceasefire on April 8, but the new flare-up of violence threatens it.
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What is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and what role does it play in Iran's military and political structure? — The IRGC is an elite military-political formation of Iran, created after the 1979 revolution to protect the Islamic system of governance. Unlike the regular army (Artesh), the IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader (rahbar) and is responsible for strategic military operations, the development of missile and nuclear-related technologies, and maintaining internal security. In addition, the IRGC plays a key role in the Iranian economy, controlling large industrial and construction projects, and its Quds Force conducts external operations and supports allied forces in the Middle East (for example, Hezbollah in Lebanon).
What is the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran and the global economy, and why is control over it considered one of Tehran's "red lines"? — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian and Oman gulfs through which about 20–25% of the world's oil trade passes (roughly 17–20 million barrels per day). For Iran, control over the strait is a geopolitical lever: Tehran has repeatedly threatened to close it in response to sanctions or military threats. This is considered a "red line" because blocking the strait could trigger a sharp spike in energy prices, a global economic crisis, and military confrontation involving the U.S. and its allies. Iran also uses the strait to demonstrate its military capabilities, deploying fast boats, mines, and anti-ship missiles there.
Why is Bandar Abbas, the city that was struck, an important center of Iran's military and naval infrastructure? — Bandar Abbas is Iran's largest port on the Persian Gulf coast and a key base for the IRGC Navy. It hosts naval shipyards, ammunition depots, missile installations, and maritime operations command centers. In addition, a significant portion of Iran's oil exports and goods imports pass through this port, making it a critical node for the country's economy. Strikes on Bandar Abbas could disrupt IRGC logistics, reduce Iran's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz, and impact its trade.
Full version: غارات أمريكية على جنوب إيران وطهران تندد بالهجوم