Iran and the United States have launched their biggest exchange of attacks since July, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict and sending oil prices higher.
The latest escalation began after U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets along the country’s southern coast, including air defences, radar systems, maritime facilities and alleged mine-laying capabilities near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iran retaliated with missiles and drones aimed at U.S. military facilities across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq. Jordan said it intercepted 10 of 13 incoming missiles, while Kuwait reported damage from an Iranian drone but no casualties. Iran claimed American personnel were killed in some attacks, although U.S. officials said initial assessments showed no casualties.
Tehran also accused the United States of striking a wedding celebration in the coastal town of Sirik, killing five people, including a four-year-old child, and wounding dozens. Reuters said it could not independently verify the incident, and U.S. officials had not commented on the allegation.
Iran warned that further American attacks would bring broader and more destructive retaliation and declared that its objective is to drive U.S. forces from their extensive network of bases across the Middle East.
Washington, meanwhile, has threatened additional strikes as President Donald Trump claims the U.S. has gained the upper hand in the conflict and increased pressure on Iran’s economy.
The renewed fighting is also having global consequences. Oil prices jumped amid concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for world energy supplies, while Asian and European stock markets declined.
With neither Washington nor Tehran showing signs of backing down, the latest attacks have renewed fears that the conflict could spread across the Gulf and further disrupt global oil supplies and financial markets.