U.S. Striking 90 Iranian Targets After Missile Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait Bases

U.S. CENTCOM launched a massive wave of retaliatory airstrikes against approximately 90 targets across Iran between July 8 and July 9, 2026. The operation follows Iranian drone and missile strikes directed at U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump officially declared the 2026 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) void, labeling the strikes 'retribution' and warning of further escalation if Iranian aggression continues. The strikes shifted toward economic and logistical targets, significantly disrupting Iran's transport network. U.S. cruise missiles destroyed the Aq Taqeh Khan bridge, a critical link in the China-Iran-Russia rail corridor, and disabled the Tehran-Mashhad passenger line. Additionally, the targeting of maritime control towers at Chabahar and two major ports has reportedly crippled Iran's ability to monitor traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded by stating the Strait would only reopen under "Iranian arrangements." International concern has mounted following reports from Iranian state media that a U.S. strike hit the perimeter of the Bushehr civilian nuclear power plant. While the reactor itself was not hit and no radiological risks have been confirmed, the proximity of the blast in Choghadak has raised fears regarding nuclear infrastructure safety. Iran's Ministry of Health has confirmed 14 deaths and 78 injuries resulting from the two-day campaign, marking the first official casualty count of this new phase of conflict.