Iran launched attacks on American military bases in Jordan and Bahrain on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The strikes came after the United States carried out attacks on Iranian targets in response to the downing of an American Apache helicopter.
The latest exchange of military action has further strained a ceasefire that reportedly took effect in April and has raised concerns about the prospects for a lasting peace agreement.
Iran warned neighbouring Gulf countries that they have a responsibility to prevent the United States and Israel from using their territories to launch operations against the Islamic Republic.
The renewed hostilities have also triggered international calls for restraint ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States and features Iran among the participating nations.
The conflict has cast doubt on recent claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East war were nearing completion.
Trump had previously suggested that talks were in their final stages and could soon produce a lasting settlement.
In Bahrain, residents of the capital city, Manama, reported hearing multiple explosions as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had targeted a US military base in the country.
The Revolutionary Guards also confirmed the launch of long-range missiles against American military targets in Jordan.
Jordan’s military said it successfully intercepted and destroyed five missiles, adding that there were no casualties or significant damage.
Bahraini authorities also reported intercepting and destroying several Iranian aerial threats before they reached their targets.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military announced that its air defence systems were actively engaging what it described as hostile aerial targets.
Iranian officials reiterated their warning to countries along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, urging them not to allow their territory or facilities to be used for military operations against Iran.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that regional governments have both a legal and moral responsibility to prevent support for hostile actions targeting the country.
The latest developments followed a US military operation that Washington described as retaliation for the downing of an American helicopter.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces targeted Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier warned that Tehran would respond firmly to any attack or threat against the country.
The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has unsettled the region and contributed to volatility in global markets.
With both sides continuing military operations despite the ceasefire, concerns are growing that the situation could further destabilise the Middle East and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
