US launches 'retaliatory strikes' after alleged Iranian attacks on Gulf states

The United States military said on Tuesday that its forces carried out "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after what it described as attempted attacks by Iran against regional neighbours, civilian vessels and maritime targets in the Gulf, report agencies.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces conducted air strikes on the strategically located island and successfully intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones. The military said the action was taken in response to attacks that targeted Bahrain, Kuwait and regional mariners.

CENTCOM said that, in coordination with Bahraini forces, US troops intercepted missiles fired toward Bahrain. The command also stated that two Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward Kuwait either fell short of their intended targets or broke apart before reaching them.

Kuwait's military confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry said warning sirens were activated as a precaution.

Earlier, Iranian media reported explosions in the vicinity of Qeshm Island, although Tehran has not officially commented on the US strikes.

The US military further alleged that Iran attempted to target civilian maritime traffic in the region, but said those efforts were unsuccessful.

Despite the latest exchange, Washington insisted that an existing ceasefire arrangement remains in place.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump rejected media reports suggesting that negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the conflict had stalled.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said talks between the two sides had been continuing uninterrupted.

His comments came after Iranian officials earlier this week indicated that negotiations had been suspended amid rising tensions.