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The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight, with Washington launching a major wave of strikes against Iranian targets, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps radar and communications facilities, primarily around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with attacks on US assets in Jordan, Iraq and reportedly Bahrain, while Jordan and Bahrain said they had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. The IRGC claimed US casualties in attacks in Jordan and Erbil, Iraq, but two US officials told Reuters news agency that no casualties had been reported.
The exchanges marked the most significant escalation between Washington and Tehran in weeks, after a period in which both sides had largely refrained from direct attacks.
The US embassy in Jerusalem yesterday issued a security warning for American citizens in the region over the “potential for unforeseen escalation”. The embassy warned of possible airspace closures and flight disruptions.
“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world,” the statement said.
US Central Command said the latest strikes were in response to Tehran’s attempts to attack commercial ships and American forces in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against retaliation, saying on social media: “If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level.”
Iran, meanwhile, has warned that it will respond to American attacks while continuing to reject US demands over its nuclear and military programmes.
The renewed fighting is also putting further pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of global oil trade normally passes.
Shipping traffic through the waterway fell sharply yesterday, with just four commodity vessels transiting, compared with a 10-day average of around 13, according to ship-tracking data cited by Reuters.
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