The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets, according to a U.S. official who confirmed to ABC News that operations began around 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The strikes — part of an ongoing campaign — are reportedly still underway, underscoring the sharply escalating tensions across the Gulf region.
Alarm Sounded in Bahrain
As the U.S. strikes unfolded, air raid sirens sounded again in Bahrain — just hours after authorities announced they had intercepted multiple Iranian aerial attacks earlier in the day. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior urged residents via social media to remain calm and seek shelter at the nearest safe location.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed explosions heard earlier in the city of Bandar Abbas were not the result of any attack but stemmed from scheduled, controlled demolition work — a characterization echoed by local authorities, who stressed the blasts posed no security threat.
Kuwait Reports Airspace Violations
Kuwait also reported hostile aerial activity within its airspace as Iran intensifies its military posture across the Gulf. The Kuwaiti Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that armed forces were intercepting hostile aircraft and called on citizens to follow official safety instructions.
Iranian President Responds to Trump’s Claims
In televised remarks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump — who claimed Washington had destroyed much of Iran’s military capability. Pezeshkian dismissed the rhetoric, questioning whether such claims matched battlefield realities: “Their rhetoric continues — but the real question is: Have they achieved their objectives on the ground?” He added, “Those who sought to dismantle our country — what have they actually accomplished? We will defend every inch of our homeland with action.”
CENTCOM Confirms Five-Hour Operation
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed completion of a five-hour military operation targeting Iranian defense infrastructure. Strikes hit facilities in several locations, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas. CENTCOM stated the mission aimed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and regional stability.