US Strikes Iranian Targets Again; Trump Issues Cease-and-Desist Ultimatum

Following a drone attack on a merchant tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, the US military launched a second wave of strikes against Iranian infrastructure as Donald Trump warns of potential annihilation.

Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a second round of strikes against Iranian targets within 24 hours. These operations were a direct response to a drone strike on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku, which was carrying over two million barrels of oil near the Strait of Hormuz at 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.

US forces targeted Iranian reconnaissance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense facilities, drone storage depots, and mining-related sites. Despite the tensions, commercial traffic continues to flow through the Strait, with US forces remaining on high alert.

Trump’s Stark Warning

President Trump characterized the recent Iranian actions as a foolish violation of the 60-day ceasefire agreement. He stated on Truth Social that Iranian forces ignored their obligations by striking the merchant vessel, asserting that if the US is forced to complete this conflict militarily, the Islamic Republic of Iran will cease to exist.

Retaliatory Strikes in Kuwait and Bahrain

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, calling them retaliation for the American strikes. The IRGC reported that it destroyed eight key infrastructure facilities at these bases and warned of further consequences.

In response to the growing violence, Kuwaiti armed forces reported the attacks early Sunday, while air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain, home to a major US naval base. The IRGC reiterated that any hostile aggression, regardless of the target, will be met with a ruthless response.

The Status of the Ceasefire

The Thursday attack on a Singaporean-flagged vessel was the first such incident since the US and Iran established a ceasefire agreement. Under the terms, Iran committed to ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping in exchange for the lifting of the US blockade on its ports.

Tensions remain high as the IRGC has previously instructed vessels to only navigate through routes designated by Iran, threatening action against any ships that follow alternate instructions provided by other authorities.