EXPLAINERIran closes Strait of Hormuz, launches retaliatory strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan after US bombs Iranian targets. Published On 11 Jun 202611 Jun 2026Iran says it has launched retaliatory strikes against United States forces in the region, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming attacks on bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, according to Iranian state media reports.The escalation came after the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had carried out strikes against multiple targets inside Iran, describing the operations as acts of “self-defense” amid soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran.US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that further military action was imminent, accusing Iran of failing to reach an agreement with Washington. “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them; now they will have to pay the price,” Trump said.Here is what’s happening:In Iran
US strikes on Iran: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Washington was launching strikes on “key facilities” in Iran, saying the attacks were part of attempts to secure a permanent ceasefire. Speaking outside CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Hegseth said President Donald Trump had ordered Iran to be hit “hard” and warned the strikes could continue for a second consecutive night if necessary.
Strait of Hormuz closed: In response to the latest attacks, Iran’s top military command announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. Officials warned all vessels to stay away from the strategic waterway, saying any ships attempting to pass through could come under attack.
Water services restored: Authorities in Iran’s Hormozgan province said water supplies had been restored to affected communities in Sirik county less than 12 hours after US strikes damaged infrastructure. Iranian media reported that two concrete water storage reservoirs were hit in the attacks. A New York Times analysis suggested the tanks may have been struck with precision-guided munitions, raising concerns as international humanitarian law considers civilian water infrastructure a protected site.
Tehran reacts to renewed fighting: Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall said many Iranians had been expecting another US attack despite renewed talk of negotiations. “They have been waiting and expecting a surprise American attack,” Vall said, adding that Tehran retalia …
