US Bombs Qeshm, Sirik and Bandar Abbas; Iran Strikes US Bases in Bahrain and Kuwait

Qeshm Island took seven strikes on July 8 as US Central Command expanded its assault on Iran to more than 80 targets across the south of the country. Sirik fell next. The coastal city overlooking the Hormuz strait was hit in six locations. Bandar Abbas followed, with Iranian officials counting 10 strikes on the city, including hits on telecommunications towers.

Kharg Island, through which Iran moves most of its crude exports, also took fire.

The US said the strikes were in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the strait the previous day. Washington also reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil sales, revoking a waiver that had allowed limited exports to continue.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it fired back. The guard claimed it struck 85 US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. Sirens went off in both countries. Bahrain hosts the US Fifth Fleet; Kuwait hosts US Army forces.

These were the largest US operations against Iranian territory since an April ceasefire paused most fighting.