Iran vows more strikes as Gulf crisis deepens

Iran has declared that it will continue military operations against locations it says are being used to launch attacks

Iran has declared that it will continue military operations against locations it says are being used to launch attacks against the country, further raising tensions across the Gulf region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran considers its recent actions to be acts of self-defence. He warned that any future attacks on Iran would receive an immediate response, stressing that military pressure and sanctions would not force the country to abandon its position.

The statement came after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian military officials said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for recent American operations, including attacks on an Iranian communications facility and a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation has alarmed the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the growing confrontation and reports of attacks on Gulf states. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise the region. The UN chief also voiced concern over civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, calling for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and suggested a future meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei could be possible if negotiations progress. Trump insisted that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened and described ongoing US operations as successful.

The US president also stated that Washington remains engaged in discussions aimed at reaching a broader agreement with Tehran. However, he warned that military options remain available if diplomatic efforts fail.

Iran, however, remains deeply sceptical of American intentions. Senior Iranian officials said Tehran would participate in negotiations when necessary but does not trust US commitments. They stressed that Iran would not allow Washington to dictate the terms of any ceasefire or future agreement.

The conflict expanded further after Iranian missile and drone strikes struck Kuwait International Airport, causing casualties, injuries and significant damage to airport facilities. Kuwaiti authorities temporarily suspended flight operations before later resuming limited services following safety assessments.

Kuwait strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as violations of international law. The government confirmed that at least one person was killed and dozens injured. Officials stated that the country reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law.

Bahrain also reported intercepting several missiles and drones aimed at civilian locations. Authorities accused Iran of continuing aggressive actions that threaten regional security.

Qatar condemned the attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain and called for immediate de-escalation. The Gulf state expressed solidarity with its neighbours and reaffirmed support for diplomatic solutions.

China also urged both Washington and Tehran to honour ceasefire commitments and avoid a return to full-scale warfare. Chinese officials warned that renewed fighting would serve no one’s interests and called for political dialogue to restore stability across the Middle East.