Day 104 of Iran War: Tehran Claims Attacks on US Bases in Retaliation
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Iran announced missile strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan in retaliation for American airstrikes inside Iran. Tensions escalate sharply as both sides exchange blows amid collapsed nuclear talks. The US warned further strikes could continue, while Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Day 104 of the US-Iran conflict saw a serious escalation as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Iran's state television quoted military commanders confirming the information.
Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had conducted airstrikes on multiple targets inside Iran, calling the action "self-defense" amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Washington was striking "key facilities" in Iran to seek a permanent ceasefire. He warned that airstrikes could continue for a second consecutive night if needed.
US President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, revealed that the US had fired 49 Tomahawk missiles at targets inside Iran, some just 64 kilometers from Tehran. US fighter jets also targeted radar and air defense systems near the Persian Gulf. Trump warned that if Iran did not accept a deal proposed by US negotiators, the US would "bomb the country tomorrow night."
Tensions at the Strait of Hormuz
In response to the latest attacks, Iran's supreme military command announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital oil shipping lanes. Iranian officials warned all vessels to stay away, asserting that any ship attempting to pass could be attacked.
Kuwait Airspace Closed, Jordan Hit by Missiles
Kuwait's civil aviation authority temporarily closed the country's airspace for security reasons, citing "Iranian acts of aggression." Kuwait Airways canceled all flights. Meanwhile, the US State Department urged citizens in Jordan to seek shelter, warning of reports that missiles, drones, or rockets had entered Jordanian airspace as regional conflict escalated.
Iranian Civil Infrastructure Hit
In Iran's Hormozgan province, authorities said water supplies had been restored within 12 hours after US airstrikes damaged infrastructure. Iranian media reported that two concrete water reservoirs had been hit by bombs. Analysis by The New York Times suggested the reservoirs may have been struck by precision munitions, raising concerns as international humanitarian law considers civilian water infrastructure a protected area.
Reactions in Israel and Lebanon
The Israeli military said sirens sounded in northern Israel after two projectiles fired from Lebanon landed near Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon. No casualties or military equipment damage were reported. In the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, an Israeli strike on a vehicle killed two people and set several cars ablaze. Israel continued its attacks in Lebanon despite a ceasefire brokered by the US that took effect on April 16.
Strategy of "Bombing to Force Negotiations"
Analysis from Washington: Al Jazeera correspondent Alan Fisher suggested Trump wants to use military pressure to force Iran back to the negotiating table. Retired US General Mark Kimmitt commented that the attacks appear to stem from frustration over stalled talks rather than any new Iranian provocation on the battlefield. "The Iranians use patience as their strongest tool," Kimmitt said.
