Tensions across the Middle East escalated dramatically over the past five hours as the United States and Iran exchanged military strikes, prompting regional security alerts, renewed threats, and fears of a wider conflict.
For a second consecutive day, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out what it described as “self-defense” strikes against multiple targets inside Iran after the Helicopter incident. According to CENTCOM, the attacks targeted Iranian military surveillance systems, communications infrastructure and air defence sites that allegedly posed a threat to US forces and commercial shipping in the region.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that further military action against Iran was likely, arguing that Tehran had failed to move quickly enough in negotiations with Washington. Shortly afterwards, CENTCOM confirmed that new operations were underway inside Iran.
Iranian media reported explosions and the activation of air defence systems across several parts of the country, including Kish, Sirik, Minab, Bandar Abbas, Isfahan, Karaj and areas west of Tehran. Iranian officials described the attacks as a continuous series of strikes conducted in multiple waves.
In response, Iran’s senior military leadership announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The military warned that any vessel attempting to transit the waterway would be targeted.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later said its naval forces had already struck two vessels attempting to navigate through the strait despite the closure order. The move immediately sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude oil rising to $95.40 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude climbing to $92.63.
Iran also launched a major retaliatory operation against US military installations across the region. The IRGC announced that its Aerospace Force and Navy carried out a two-wave attack targeting 18 key sites associated with US forces.
According to Iranian state-affiliated media, the attacks included missile and drone strikes against installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Iranian reports claimed that Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, where US fighter aircraft are stationed, was among the targets. The IRGC further claimed that several American aircraft were damaged or destroyed, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Iranian officials rejected Trump’s assertion that senior Iranian officials had contacted him seeking an end to the bombing campaign. Authorities in Tehran insisted no such communications had taken place and said the country was instead preparing what they described as a “crushing retaliation” against any further US attacks.
IRGC Aerospace Force commander Majid Mousavi issued a direct warning to Washington, saying that American actions would be met with severe consequences throughout the region.
As the confrontation intensified, several Gulf states activated emergency measures. Air raid sirens sounded multiple times in Bahrain, with authorities urging residents to remain calm and seek shelter. Kuwait’s military announced that it was responding to missile and drone threats and advised the public to follow safety instructions.
The United States also issued security warnings across the region. The US Embassy in Baghdad urged American citizens to maintain heightened vigilance, while the US State Department warned that missiles, drones or rockets had been detected in Jordanian airspace and advised people to seek immediate shelter.
Adding to regional concerns, the Israeli military reported detecting launches from Lebanon and instructed residents in several northern communities to move to protected areas when alerts were activated.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns emerged after reports that US strikes damaged water infrastructure in Iran’s Sirik region. Iranian authorities said water services were restored within hours after reservoirs supplying local communities were hit during the attacks.
The rapidly expanding confrontation has prompted growing international concern. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the Middle East is being pulled deeper into crisis and cautioned that the region risks sliding into a much broader conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.
With both Washington and Tehran signalling readiness for further action, the situation remains highly volatile as governments across the region brace for the possibility of additional military escalation.
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Earlier:
Clashes Between Iran and Israel after non stop Israeli Aggression towards Lebanon
