Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had launched a “heavy” ballistic missile attack on a US-linked military facility in Jordan in retaliation for recent US strikes.
The IRGC said it targeted Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, including a US Marine facility located there. Tehran said the attack was carried out in response to US strikes that allegedly killed civilians in Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Washington would face a forceful response. In his first message since the latest round of US-Iran attacks and counterattacks, he said Iran’s armed forces had a “lesson that will not be forgotten” for the United States.
Reports of Iranian drone attacks have also emerged from several Gulf countries.
Kuwait said its air defence forces were actively responding to drone threats, while Bahrain said its defence systems detected and successfully destroyed Iranian drones approaching its airspace.
The developments have raised concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Iran and the immediate areas targeted by US strikes.
Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out fresh strikes against multiple targets in Iran on September 1.
Washington said the strikes followed allegations that Iran had attempted to attack commercial vessels and US military personnel.
Iranian state media, meanwhile, reported multiple explosions across southern parts of the country. Explosions were reported in areas including Asaluyeh, Jiroft, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Konarak, Chabahar, Jask, Sirik and Lavan.
One of the deadliest incidents was reported in Sirik, where the Iranian Red Crescent said a house was attacked during a wedding ceremony.
At least four people were killed, including a child, while more than 50 others were injured, according to the report.
The latest exchange of strikes and threats has further heightened fears of a wider regional confrontation involving Iran, the United States and several Gulf states.
