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Washington/Tehran, July 9
A fragile truce in the Middle East came under renewed strain on Thursday after the United States carried out fresh airstrikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to launch missiles and drones towards US-allied countries across the Gulf in one of the most significant escalations since the ceasefire was announced.
Air raid sirens echoed across Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan as Iranian missiles and drones targeted locations hosting US military personnel and key regional allies. Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, reported intercepting incoming projectiles, while Kuwait’s military said it shot down three ballistic missiles, a cruise missile and 10 drones. One person was injured by falling debris. There were no immediate reports of damage in Qatar.
The latest exchange came just hours after US President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the ceasefire through attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Washington would respond forcefully if such actions continued.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 14 people were killed and 78 others injured during two days of US airstrikes, with officials saying most of the casualties were members of the armed forces.
The renewed violence has heightened fears that the conflict could spread beyond Iran and Israel, drawing more countries into a regional war. Analysts also warned that continued hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping route for global oil supplies — could disrupt energy markets and affect the world economy.
Diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire remain under intense pressure as both sides continue military operations, raising uncertainty over whether the temporary pause in fighting can survive.
