Iran vows retaliation after fresh US strikes
Iran has vowed to retaliate after the United States launched fresh overnight air strikes on multiple locations across the country, further escalating the conflict that has increasingly drawn several Middle Eastern nations into the fighting.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a strong warning, saying those responsible for the attacks would face punishment. Iranian media quoted the force as saying that the “aggressor” would be held accountable.
The latest US strikes reportedly targeted several areas in southern Iran, including Bushehr province, which is home to the country’s only nuclear power plant. Explosions were also reported in Qeshm, Kish, Bandar Abbas, Abadan and other nearby locations.
Iranian officials said a residential building on Qeshm Island was struck during the attacks. Local authorities confirmed that three members of the same family, including a child, were killed. Two other children from the same family were injured and shifted to hospital for treatment.
The US military said the strikes were launched in response to recent Iranian missile attacks targeting American forces stationed in Jordan. Washington described the operation as a powerful response aimed at deterring further attacks on its troops in the region.
The military action came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences following attacks on American military facilities.
Meanwhile, Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles heading toward its territory. Officials said this was the fourth consecutive day that missiles or drones launched from Iran had been intercepted. No casualties or property damage were reported.
Iran also strongly condemned recent joint US-Saudi air strikes carried out in Iraq. Tehran described the attacks as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It accused Washington of widening the regional conflict and expressed support for the Iraqi government.
The Iraqi government also criticised the strikes and called on all parties to avoid further escalation. Iraqi officials stressed that the country should not become a battleground for regional disputes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was difficult to predict Iran’s next moves regarding the Strait of Hormuz. However, he argued that alternative energy routes could eventually reduce the strategic importance of the vital shipping lane.
The United Nations expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both the United States and Iran to end hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations. He also welcomed mediation efforts by regional countries seeking to reduce tensions.
The IRGC claimed that two oil tankers attempting to sail through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz turned back after a fire reportedly broke out on one vessel. Iranian officials insisted the country maintained control over the strategic waterway and warned that restrictions would remain as long as foreign military threats continued.
The United Arab Emirates also condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities from Iraqi territory, calling them a serious violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security.
The conflict has expanded rapidly over recent days, with military activity reported in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf region. The growing instability has increased concerns over regional security and disrupted global energy markets.
Oil prices climbed sharply as investors reacted to fears of further escalation and possible disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy trade routes.
