Key facts
- The US military's Central Command conducted strikes on Iranian military targets, including air defenses and radar systems.
- Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq.
- The exchange of fire is the most significant between the US and Iran since July.
- Iran accused the US of hitting a wedding party, resulting in civilian casualties.
- The conflict has led to a drop in Asian and European stocks and a rise in oil prices.
The United States and Iran engaged in their most significant military exchange since July, escalating regional tensions and raising fears of a wider conflict. US forces launched strikes on Iran's southern coast, targeting air defenses, radar systems, and maritime assets, according to the US military's Central Command. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at American bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq, vowing more "devastating responses" against any country cooperating with the US.
Iran accused Washington of hitting a wedding party in Sirik, killing five people and wounding dozens, an incident Iranian officials compared to a strike on a girls' school. Reuters could not independently verify this claim, and US officials stated there were no initial reports of casualties from strikes in Jordan. Kuwait reported a drone strike on a residential complex at Ali Al Salem Air Base, causing damage but no casualties. Bahrain announced the interception of Iranian drones, while Iraq did not confirm Iranian claims of strikes on bases in Erbil.
The renewed hostilities have impacted global markets, with Asian and European stocks falling and oil prices rising. Two oil tankers were reportedly disabled by mines while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed engagement with both the US and Iran, hoping for a return to dialogue.