Iran attacks 85 targets in response of US's strikes on 80 locations

Iran retaliates with strikes on 85 locations after US hits 80 targets

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again after the United States claimed to have carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes on 80 targets inside Iran. In response, Tehran vowed severe retaliation, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced attacks on 85 locations in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran also claimed it had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Bushehr province.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had launched fresh strikes against more than 80 targets in Iran. Washington also reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales, citing recent attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding early Wednesday, Iran warned that the US attacks would not go unanswered. Later, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohbi told Tasnim News Agency that Iran's air defense system had downed a US military MQ-9 drone over the skies of the Khormuz area in Bushehr province.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's military said it was responding to what it described as "enemy missile and drone attacks." In a statement, the armed forces said the explosions heard across various parts of the country were the result of successfully intercepting incoming missiles and drones. Authorities also urged citizens to follow official safety instructions.

State news agency KUNA reported that air raid sirens had been activated across Kuwait. Bahrain's Interior Ministry issued a similar warning, urging residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe shelter.

Iranian state media also reported explosions at Kharg Island, one of the country's main oil export hubs. Additional blasts were reported in Bandar Abbas, the port city of Sirik, and Qeshm Island. The attacks came as the country was holding a state funeral for its recently deceased Supreme Leader.

Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a post on X.

He alleged that Washington had breached the agreement by launching new attacks on Iran, reinstating sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and escalating regional tensions.

In another post, Ghalibaf declared, "The era of intimidation and coercion is over. We will not surrender."

Meanwhile, security in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be one of the key agenda items at a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, Türkiye. US President Donald Trump and leaders of other NATO member states are attending the meeting.