US launches massive attack on Iran; Hegseth sends sharp message: 'They made a bad choice'

The United States launched a significant retaliatory strike against Iran early Sunday, July 12, hitting around 140 targets. This action follows an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which forced the crew to abandon the vessel after it caught fire.

In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran reportedly launched attacks targeting several countries in the Persian Gulf region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. These escalating hostilities raise new questions about efforts to achieve a lasting end to the conflict, which began on February 28.

U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes were aimed at missile and drone launch sites, ammunition depots, and communication equipment, intending to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized Iran's actions, writing online, "Iran made a bad choice. Now it is paying the price."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued a stern message, stating, "The era of unilateral agreements is over. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking on the door." Missile warnings were heard across several Gulf Arab nations, with Qatar's military reporting the interception of incoming Iranian fire and explosions heard in the United Arab Emirates. Qatar's Interior Ministry reported three people, including a child, were injured by shrapnel during the interception of Iranian attacks.