Iran launched missile attacks on US military installations in Jordan and Bahrain on Wednesday, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East and testing a fragile ceasefire agreed earlier this year.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, saying it targeted American positions in Bahrain and used long-range missiles against US assets in Jordan. Jordanian and Bahraini authorities reported intercepting the incoming projectiles, with no reported casualties or major damage.
Jordan’s military said its air defences destroyed five missiles, while Bahrain and Kuwait also engaged hostile targets amid heightened regional alert.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned Gulf states against allowing their territories to be used by the United States or Israel for operations against Tehran.
“Countries in the region bear a legal and moral responsibility” to prevent support for actions threatening Iran’s security, the ministry said.
The strikes came hours after US Central Command confirmed attacks on Iranian air defence and command facilities near the Strait of Hormuz in response to alleged threats against American forces.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowed a firm response to any further aggression.
“Our military will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” he said.
The exchanges have raised fears of wider conflict, with Russia and China calling for restraint. Energy markets rose on concerns over potential disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
