Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for attacks on two ships in the Hormuz Strait and US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. The IRGC stated that the attacks were in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian targets. Iran's state media reported that all ship traffic in the Hormuz Strait has been halted, causing a slight increase in oil prices. Al Jazeera reported that the IRGC also claimed drone attacks on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber Air Bases in Kuwait. This escalation follows a series of retaliatory strikes between the US and Iran, beginning with a US military helicopter crash in the Hormuz Strait. US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of delaying negotiations and warned of consequences. Iran, in turn, has accused the US of violating ceasefire agreements and announced a reevaluation of diplomatic contacts with Washington. Despite the tensions, diplomatic efforts continue, with a Qatari delegation visiting Tehran.
Background and Escalation
The conflict between the US and Iran intensified after a US military helicopter crashed in the Hormuz Strait. In response, the US launched airstrikes on various Iranian targets. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
