TEHRAN: Iran’s President announced on Monday that the country is currently embroiled in a “full-scale war” with the United States, amidst escalating tensions and military actions. This declaration comes as the U.S. expanded its strikes across Iran, including targeting a city that hosts a nuclear power facility.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for striking military targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria. Bahrain also reported that Tehran attacked its air navigation systems. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, according to an official release, that “the Islamic Republic of Iran is actively involved in a comprehensive war” and emphasized the importance of accepting the natural consequences of such resistance.
The escalation follows reports of U.S. missile strikes earlier on Monday in northern and central Iran, extending beyond the areas near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The recent hostilities mark a resumption of conflict in the region after a brief lull, which was initiated by a June agreement. Oil prices surged to a one-month peak as both sides engaged in efforts to control the vital Strait.
As diplomatic channels remain open, Iran has reimposed its blockade on the Strait following the collapse of its ceasefire with the U.S., while Washington has retaliated by blocking Iranian ports once again. All the Iranian provinces targeted on Monday host military installations and air defense systems.
In Bushehr, home to Iran’s sole operational civilian nuclear reactor, Governor Mohammad Mozaffari told IRNA that several locations in the city had been hit by U.S. projectiles. Meanwhile, in East Azerbaijan province, local crisis management head Majid Farshi reported casualties—one person martyred and several injured—in an attack.
Despite ongoing military actions, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei claimed diplomatic efforts via mediators are still underway, and ideas have been conveyed through third parties. Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni was reportedly traveling to Pakistan, a key mediator, though the purpose remains unconfirmed.
Maritime Incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
In the Strait of Hormuz, a vessel was abandoned after catching fire in an attack, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards initially claimed that two oil tankers attempting to transit the strait had exploded and stopped. The heightened tensions have led to concerns over global shipping, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for international cooperation to safeguard maritime traffic.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Tehran would not permit the Strait to be exploited to threaten Iran’s security. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the continuation of strikes against Iranian targets for the ninth consecutive night, while Rubio expressed hope for diplomatic resolution.
The recent flare-up follows a weekend marked by the deaths of three U.S. service members and a missing personnel, with deaths resulting from Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan and northern Iraq. President Donald Trump declared that U.S. strikes “hit Iran very hard” in honor of the fallen soldiers. The conflict has now claimed 17 American military lives since the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iranian Attacks on Neighboring Countries
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed responsibility for attacks on targets in Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait overnight. In Syria’s Al-Tanf region, Iranian forces launched a surprise attack on a U.S. special operations command center, though U.S. troops had already withdrawn from the area in February.
In Jordan, Iran targeted U.S. military aircraft stationed at Aqaba Airport with ballistic missiles, causing significant damage. Iranian forces also struck U.S. military installations in Kuwait, including an early-warning radar system that was reportedly destroyed.
Kuwait’s air defenses responded to hostile drone attacks following Iran’s strikes, according to the Kuwaiti military. Bahrain’s interior ministry also reported that air raid sirens sounded, urging residents to seek shelter amid the ongoing hostilities.
