India calls for restraint as Trump threatens deeper Iran strikes, says power plants could be next

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the ceasefire understanding with Iran was effectively finished, accusing Tehran of acting in bad faith as military tensions between the two countries escalated sharply.

Speaking at the NATO summit, Trump said, “For me, the memorandum of understanding is over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum… They’re liars. In my eyes, it’s a waste of time to continue talking to them.”

The remarks came hours after the United States carried out fresh strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran warned of a “crushing” response. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also reportedly claimed it had shot down a US MQ-9 drone over southern Iran.

Top developments

• US launches fresh strikes: US Central Command said it struck more than 80 targets in response to Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation targeted Iranian air defence systems, command-and-control networks, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile sites, and over 60 IRGC fast boats operating near the strategic waterway.
• Oil sanctions waiver revoked: The Trump administration revoked an oil sanctions waiver that had allowed certain purchases of Iranian energy without triggering US sanctions. The move comes just weeks after Washington and Tehran announced a memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities.
• Explosions reported in southern Iran: Blasts were reported at Iran’s key oil hub on Kharg Island, as well as on Qeshm Island and in the southern port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas.
• Iran claims attacks on US bases: Iran accepted responsibility for attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, describing them as retaliation for American strikes. According to Iranian state media, the IRGC targeted dozens of US military sites, including Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, while warning of further action if Washington launches additional attacks.
• Regional alerts issued: Kuwait said its air defence systems were intercepting incoming missiles and drones, urging residents to follow emergency safety instructions. Bahrain activated warning sirens and asked citizens to seek shelter.
• Qatar condemns attack on vessel: Qatar strongly condemned Iran’s alleged attack on the Qatari vessel Al-Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an unacceptable violation of international law and a threat to global maritime security and energy supplies.
• NATO backs US action: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the latest strikes on Iran as “absolutely necessary,” expressing support for Washington’s military action amid the worsening regional crisis.