US-Iran Trade Strikes: Trump Threatens, Democrats Condemn

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical point after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian territory for the second consecutive day. The strikes targeted Sirik, Bandar-e Lengeh, and Qeshm Island, in response to a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. On the 121st day of the conflict, the military escalation has triggered a chain reaction across the Gulf region, involving retaliatory attacks on US military assets and threats to global maritime stability. Tehran-based political analyst Abas Aslani stated that Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as a primary deterrent against US aggression. “Iran sees the strait as leverage to stop the repetition of new aggression against the country,” he told Al Jazeera. He stressed that any attempt to change the situation in the region by force would not be accepted by Tehran. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones at the US Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The attack was described as a direct response to the US bombardment of five coastal locations in Iran. Air raid sirens were reported wailing in Bahrain, forcing local authorities to urge residents to seek shelter immediately. Meanwhile, Kuwait activated its air defence systems to respond to the hostile missile and drone threats. President Donald Trump signalled a hard line, warning that the US might be forced to “finish the job” if Iran continues its attacks. However, this policy has sparked fears of an uncontrollable open war. Military expert Harlan Ullman warned that the tit-for-tat actions between Washington and Tehran risk spiralling out of control. He also highlighted the surge in oil prices, which could pressure Trump to return to the negotiating table. Domestically in the US, criticism came from Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna. He condemned the strikes as a clear violation of the War Powers Resolution. “Trump must stop this war now or we will take him to court,” Khanna asserted. Amid the US-Iran conflict, Israel launched a new attack on southern Lebanon, killing at least one person. The strike occurred just a day after a framework agreement was reached between Israel and the Lebanese government to end the fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the deal as a historic achievement and a severe blow to Iran and Hezbollah. However, the agreement was strongly opposed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called it a historic mistake for giving Hezbollah breathing room. On the other side, Hezbollah officially rejected the agreement and declared it invalid. Saudi Arabia halted all crude oil export shipments from Ras Tanura in March due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.