Dubai, UAE — The United States said on Thursday it had completed its latest wave of strikes against Iran, targeting command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone capabilities and coastal surveillance facilities, while Tehran responded by launching attacks on US military installations in Jordan and Kuwait.
The renewed exchanges underscored the continuing escalation despite President Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran “wants to settle”, with both sides pressing ahead with military operations across the region.
Centcom says strikes are completed
US Central Command (Centcom) said the latest operation struck Iranian command centres, air defence sites, missile and drone capabilities, as well as coastal surveillance facilities used to support military operations.
Earlier, the US military said it had targeted capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran retaliates across the region
Iran’s military said it targeted the US al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan and US military assets at the Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.
Kuwait’s military said it was engaging hostile drones launched by Iran, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to move to safe locations.
Jordan’s armed forces earlier said they intercepted missiles launched from Iran.
Civilian toll rises
Iranian health official Hossein Kermanpour said at least 35 people had been killed and about 300 wounded in US attacks since the latest round of hostilities began this month.
The provinces of Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Khuzestan sustained the heaviest damage, he said.
In Ahvaz, authorities temporarily evacuated Shahid Baghaei Hospital, which treats cancer and blood disease patients, after nearby US strikes. Hospital director Majid Bouadhar said 211 patients were transferred, with only the most critically ill remaining.
Iran claims drone downed
Iranian state media reported that air defences shot down a US MQ-9A Reaper drone over Andimeshk in Khuzestan province.
Iranian air defence systems were also activated over Tehran in response to what state media described as hostile aerial threats.
Explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and on Qeshm Island, where a fish-processing facility sustained damage without reported casualties.
Trump signals diplomacy
Trump said Iran “wants to settle so badly” and indicated he would decide whether to pursue negotiations.
In separate comments, he thanked Iran for releasing an American citizen detained since December 2024, describing the move as a gesture of goodwill.
The US president also said he had instructed the military not to strike Iran’s oil facilities but did not rule out future action against Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal.
