The Iranian Khatam al-Anbia headquarters has promised a "crushing response" following U.S. strikes on southern Iran and Bandar Abbas port on Tuesday night. The response comes after accusations that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Khatam al-Anbia, which is Iran's joint military headquarters, stated that the Iranian Armed Forces will deliver a "crushing reply," warning the U.S. not to interfere with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasized that "Iran determines the only safe passage for commercial vessels and oil tankers through this waterway," said the statement.
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the U.S. of significantly violating the ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding with its attacks on southern Iran and the reimposition of oil sanctions, as well as threats of further strikes.
Notably, Qalibaf remarked on "X" (formerly Twitter): "The United States has violated 'Iranian arrangements' in the Strait of Hormuz," highlighting that "continued Israeli aggression on Lebanon also constitutes a breach of the memorandum." He firmly stated, "The era of bullying and blackmail is over; Iran will not bow down."
An advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader reasserted that "President Donald Trump intends to attack again, and we are fully prepared."
Mere hours after Iran's threat of a "crushing response" to the U.S. attack, sirens were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait, indicating a possible Iranian retaliation towards the Gulf nations. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior tweeted: "The alarm was sounded; we ask citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti military announced that "Kuwait's air defenses are currently countering hostile missile and drone attacks." They added, "If explosion sounds are heard, they result from the interception of hostile attacks by air defense systems," urging "everyone to follow safety and security instructions issued by relevant authorities."
Targets hit by the U.S. military in Iran included over 80 objectives, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Their statement noted, "The strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small Revolutionary Guard boats in and around the Strait of Hormuz to weaken Iran's ability to continue attacking international trade passing through the strategic corridor."
Posting on "X," CENTCOM said the American strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, promising Iran "severe consequences for targeting commercial ships and their attacks."
Iranian state television reported that six explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island and seven in the city of Sirik, with explosions also heard in the coastal city of Bandar Abbas.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Tehran would respond "decisively" to U.S. strikes, underscoring multiple breaches of the memorandum of understanding by Washington. The Ministry's statement, aired on Iran's state television via its Telegram channel, warned the U.S. of serious repercussions for violating the agreement, asserting that Iran would take decisive measures to protect its national interests and security.
This showdown follows the U.S. Treasury Department's cancellation of a temporary license lifting oil sanctions on Iran, declaring Iran's activities in the Strait of Hormuz as "absolutely unacceptable." The exemption, issued in June, had allowed the Islamic Republic to produce, sell, and supply crude oil and its derivatives until August 21.
A U.S. official told AFP that Iran's actions in the strait are “absolutely unacceptable to the United States and will have severe repercussions.”