The confrontation between the United States and Iran has entered another dangerous phase after Tehran launched missile and drone attacks against American-linked military positions in several Middle Eastern countries.
The Iranian response came after the U.S. military carried out a new round of strikes against targets associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
American officials said the operation focused on Iranian military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, including radar and air-defence systems, maritime facilities, communications sites and equipment allegedly connected to mine-laying operations.
Iran responded with attacks stretching across the region.
Jordan comes under missile attack
One of the reported Iranian attacks targeted a U.S.-linked facility in Jordan.
According to Jordanian military authorities, 13 ballistic missiles entered Jordanian airspace. Ten were intercepted, while three came down in isolated areas.
Authorities said there were no reported casualties.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, however, claimed its operation had inflicted heavy losses on U.S. forces. Those claims were not supported by initial U.S. assessments, which reported no American casualties in Jordan.
Civilian deaths reported in Iran
At the same time, Iranian authorities reported deaths following an American strike near Sirik in southern Iran.
The Iranian Red Crescent said five people died after a strike reportedly hit an area where a wedding celebration was underway. A child was among those reported killed.
Iranian officials also reported that more than 50 people were injured, although another Iranian report put the number of wounded higher. The figures have not been independently verified.
The United States has rejected any suggestion that civilians were deliberately targeted, saying its military operations are aimed at military objectives.
Tehran expands retaliation
The Iranian response was not limited to Jordan.
Kuwait reported hostile Iranian drone activity, while Bahrain said its air-defence systems intercepted Iranian drones.
Iran also claimed attacks against U.S. facilities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, including military support infrastructure. Iraqi and American authorities had not independently confirmed some of the Iranian claims at the time of reporting.
The attacks have raised fresh concerns among countries hosting American troops and military facilities across the Middle East.
Oil market feels the impact
Beyond the immediate security concerns, the latest fighting is threatening to create another shock for the global energy market.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint because of its importance to international oil shipments. The latest military exchanges have increased fears that commercial shipping could face further disruption.
Brent crude rose above $95 per barrel on Wednesday as markets reacted to the renewed U.S.-Iran confrontation.
The latest developments have effectively ended a period of relative calm between Washington and Tehran, with both sides showing little indication that the confrontation is close to ending.
As military activity continues, governments across the Middle East are now on heightened alert over the possibility of further Iranian and American attacks.
