Tension in the Middle East has risen again after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iran, forcing Tehran to hit back at bases linked to American forces in the Gulf.
The latest exchange has placed the fragile ceasefire under serious pressure and raised fears that the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US could spread further across the region.
US Central Command said American forces carried out self-defence strikes on Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The US said the operation followed the loss of an American Apache helicopter near the coast of Oman.
Two crew members from the helicopter were rescued and were said to be in stable condition. Washington said the strikes were a proportional response, but Tehran has described the action as another attack on Iranian territory.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said they had targeted military sites linked to US forces in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. The group claimed it struck Al-Azraq air base in Jordan, Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Jordan said it intercepted missiles launched from Iran towards Al-Azraq air base. Kuwait and Bahrain also said their air defences responded to hostile projectiles. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties among US personnel.
The renewed exchange is one of the most serious since the ceasefire announced in April. It also comes at a dangerous time for global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments.
The US has warned that its forces are ready to defend themselves and commercial shipping in the region. Iran has also warned that any further attack will bring a stronger response.
The crisis is not limited to Iran and the US. Israel has continued military action in Lebanon, where it says it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Israeli forces said they struck sites in Tyre and other parts of southern Lebanon, including areas used for drone launches.
Lebanese officials said an Israeli strike on Tyre killed several people and damaged buildings in the historic port city. The attack was followed by evacuation warnings, raising fresh humanitarian concerns as families continue to flee southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah is backed by Iran, which means Israeli attacks in Lebanon could further complicate efforts to calm the region. Israel says it will not allow Hezbollah to use southern Lebanon as a launchpad for attacks, while Iran has accused the US and Israel of using regional bases to threaten its security.
President Donald Trump has said a wider peace deal is still possible, but the latest fighting makes that harder. Washington wants Iran to stop any move towards nuclear weapons. Tehran denies seeking nuclear arms and wants sanctions lifted.
For now, the region remains on edge. The US says it acted in self-defence. Iran says it will respond to attacks. Israel says it will keep targeting Hezbollah. With all sides standing firm, the ceasefire is facing its biggest test yet.
