Iran launches strikes on US-linked targets after American attacks near Hormuz

DUBAI/WASHINGTON: Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US-linked military installations in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday, according to Iranian state media, in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest exchange marks one of the most significant escalations since a ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect in April, raising fresh concerns about the durability of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of conflict.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted the US military’s Al-Azraq base in Jordan, as well as other locations in the Gulf region. Iranian media reported that more than 20 targets were selected as part of the operation.

The attacks came hours after the US military conducted strikes against Iranian air defence systems, surveillance radars and command facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington said the operation was carried out in response to the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the strategic waterway.

President Donald Trump defended the military action, saying the response needed to be “very strong” following the helicopter incident.

Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait respond

Jordan’s armed forces said air defence units intercepted and destroyed five missiles fired towards the Al-Azraq military base. Authorities reported no casualties or material damage, although debris from the interceptions fell inside Jordanian territory.

In Kuwait, military officials said air defence systems were activated to engage suspected hostile aerial targets. The statement came after Iranian media reported that drones had been launched towards the Ali Al Salem Air Base, which hosts US forces.

Bahrain also reported heightened security measures after warning sirens sounded across parts of the country. Officials said air defence systems successfully intercepted incoming threats, while authorities urged residents to seek shelter as a precaution.

A US official, speaking anonymously, said preliminary assessments indicated that nearly all Iranian missiles and drones had been intercepted and that there were no immediate reports of casualties among American personnel.

Strait of Hormuz remains focal point

The confrontation followed a US military operation near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Iranian media reported explosions near Qeshm Island, Sirik, Bandar Abbas and Jask, areas located close to the waterway.

The US military said an Apache helicopter had gone down near Oman’s coast while on patrol. Both crew members were rescued and reported to be in stable condition. While US officials attributed the incident to an Iranian drone attack, Tehran denied conducting offensive air operations in the area during the previous 24 hours.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi did not directly address the helicopter incident but warned that the presence of foreign forces in the region increased the risk of accidents and confrontation.

Peace efforts face renewed pressure

The latest violence threatens to complicate negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began in February following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Although a ceasefire announced in April halted large-scale fighting, tensions have remained high, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and in Lebanon.

Trump has repeatedly said Washington and Tehran are close to reaching an agreement, though no breakthrough has been announced. Key sticking points include Iran’s demand for sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets and recognition of its authority over the strait, while the United States insists any agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The renewed hostilities also rattled energy markets, with oil prices rising in early Asian trading amid fears of further disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that previously handled around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, the latest exchange reflected the fragility of the ceasefire and the challenges facing efforts to secure a lasting settlement in the region.