US Launches Strikes on Iran after Ships Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; Bahrain and Kuwait Targeted
Trump discusses Hormuz security with NATO leaders as tensions with Iran escalate
The US has launched new strikes on Iran and revoked a waiver allowing Tehran to sell oil under a June 17 interim peace agreement, while reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports following attacks on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Explosions were reported on Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, as well as Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island.
The strikes came as Iran held funeral events for late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, despite Tehran’s earlier warnings against attacks during the mourning period. Security concerns over the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be discussed by US President Donald Trump and NATO leaders in Ankara, while Khamenei’s coffin was taken to the Iraqi city of Najaf for a funeral procession. Follow our live blog for the latest updates:
Mediator Qatar calls for de-escalation after Iran attacks on Gulf
Qatar on Wednesday condemned strikes carried out by Iran against Kuwait and Bahrain and called for diplomacy, as hostilities resumed following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar, a key intermediary in talks between Iran and the United States, said it “emphasises the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks”, in a foreign ministry statement posted on X.
Doha also emphasised the need to “pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy, to de-escalate tensions, and to build upon the progress achieved under the memorandum of understanding”.
Source: Gulf News
