The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes across the Middle East for a second consecutive day on Thursday, further undermining a fragile ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries in April and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out a series of "self-defense strikes" targeting Iranian military facilities, surveillance systems, radar installations, and air-defense sites in southern Iran. The operation came just hours after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond forcefully to any threats against American interests in the region.
Iran quickly retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US-linked military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Tehran condemned the American attacks, describing them as a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and warning of serious consequences.
In a statement released early Thursday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said the latest US strikes had made the two-month-old ceasefire "practically meaningless" and accused Washington of deliberately escalating tensions.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a facility used by US and allied forces. Iranian state media reported that 12 ballistic missiles were launched and that significant military assets were destroyed.
However, Jordanian military officials disputed those claims, stating that the country's air-defense systems successfully intercepted around 20 incoming missiles before they reached their targets. Authorities reported no deaths, injuries, or major damage.
Meanwhile, Bahrain activated air raid sirens after Iranian drones entered the country's airspace. Officials said debris from intercepted drones damaged several homes and vehicles in Manama and Hamad Town. An 11-year-old girl suffered minor injuries and received medical treatment.
The latest escalation follows reports that a US Apache helicopter was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. The renewed conflict has sparked concerns about disruptions to global energy markets and international shipping routes.
President Trump warned that further military action could be taken if Iran refuses to engage in a peace agreement, while Iranian leaders insisted they would not negotiate under military pressure.
Diplomatic efforts by regional and international mediators are continuing, but negotiations remain stalled as both sides exchange accusations and military responses. Analysts warn that if the confrontation continues, it could destabilize the Middle East further and have serious consequences for global economic and energy security.
As tensions remain high, governments across the region have increased security measures and placed military forces on heightened alert amid fears that the conflict could spread beyond its current boundaries.