US and Iran trade strikes: Key developments UAE residents need to know on July 8

The US has launched strikes on Iran, triggering heightened tensions across the Gulf region as countries monitor developments closely. The operation, announced by US Central Command, comes after Washington accused Tehran of attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Warning sirens were reported in Bahrain and Kuwait as regional security concerns grew. Here are the key updates to know this morning.

US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was “over” on Wednesday after renewed clashes between the two sides following Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump said the truce was no longer in place, adding that continuing talks with Tehran were “a waste of time”.

“I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it. I don’t like these people,” Trump said. 

The escalation followed US strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on ships in the strategic waterway.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it hit more than 80 targets in Iran, including air defence systems, coastal radar sites and IRGC vessels.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed it had launched attacks on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting air defence systems in both countries to activate.

CENTCOM said more than 80 sites were targeted, including air defence systems, command networks, coastal radar and anti-ship missile capabilities. It also said more than 60 IRGC-linked small boats were hit.

Tehran condemned the US strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and warned of a strong response.

Iranian media reported blasts in several strategic locations, including Kharg Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island.

Explosions were reported in the port city of Bushehr and nearby areas following renewed hostilities with the US. The city is home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant and is located near Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait and claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. The claims have not been independently verified.

Bahrain activated air-raid sirens for the third time, with explosions later heard in the country, according to an AFP correspondent. The alert followed Iran’s claim that it launched strikes on Bahrain in response to US attacks on Iranian targets.

Kuwait’s Armed Forces said they intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones that breached its airspace on Wednesday, with no casualties or damage reported.

The Ministry of Defence said air defences responded to “hostile missile and drone attacks” and remain on high alert.

UAE Diplomatic Adviser Dr Anwar Gargash said reported Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and actions targeting Bahrain and Kuwait showed Tehran was not committed to easing tensions. He warned Gulf states cannot remain caught between escalation and calls for stability.

Iran warned it would not allow outside interference in the strategic waterway and insisted ships follow routes approved by Tehran. The escalation has raised concerns over global energy supplies.

A tanker off Oman caught fire after being hit, while two other vessels suffered damage. No injuries were reported, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre.

Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have sparked concerns over global oil and gas supplies. World oil prices soared more than five percent Wednesday after Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over, following fresh strikes in the Middle East.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude jumped 5.3 percent to $78.09 a barrel, while the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 5.4 percent to $74.23 a barrel.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon amid rising regional tensions.

The directive, valid until August 31 unless reviewed earlier, was issued over concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the risk of further military escalation.

EASA said its advisory was based on “ongoing high levels of tensions and the potential for further military action”, warning that Iranian airspace could face “imminent threats” if the truce breaks down.

The latest developments threaten the temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran as Gulf countries remain on alert over fears of a wider regional conflict.

The attacks took place during mourning ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Gulf states remain vigilant as the latest US-Iran confrontation fuels concerns of a broader Middle East conflict.