Iran Targets US Military Sites in Gulf as Israel Warns It Could 'Strike Again'

Iran has launched fresh attacks targeting U.S. military infrastructure in Gulf states, escalating tensions in retaliation for recent American strikes. These actions further strain a three-week-old ceasefire agreement and occur amidst heightened regional instability.

The retaliatory strikes followed the burial of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike on February 28. His funeral procession drew massive crowds, underscoring his significance.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy asserted that U.S. actions and interventions in redirecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupting the waterway's reopening. They claimed that vessel transit under Iranian supervision had recovered to about 50% of pre-war levels, warning of a "crushing response" to any further U.S. intervention.

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Any further US intervention will draw a "crushing response"

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, stating his country was prepared to resume its military campaign against Iran with "even greater force" if necessary. This comes as new fighting between the U.S. and Iran raises fears of a return to full-scale conflict after a previous ceasefire and a U.S.-Iran agreement to end hostilities.

The U.S. military stated its latest strikes were intended to maintain the openness of the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces reportedly struck three tankers in the area. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated his belief that the interim ceasefire with Iran was "over." While Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the ship attacks, analysts suggest such actions are used as leverage in negotiations. Iranian officials reported that U.S. attacks killed 14 people and injured 78 across five provinces on July 8 and 9.

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The army is ready and on alert for a resumption of fighting, in order to regain air superiority and strike again... in Iran, to eliminate threats, including a third time if necessary. If we have to go back, we will go back, with even greater force