Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after US forces launched fresh strikes against Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to warn that Washington will “regret” its latest attacks.
The US military said it began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran following what Washington described as attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US personnel in the region.
Iranian officials reported explosions in several locations, including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar and Konarak. Iranian state media also reported that Jiroft airport in Kerman province was struck, although the provincial governor said there were no casualties and that the runway and airport buildings were not damaged.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against retaliating, saying any further response would trigger attacks “at a much harder and higher level”. He also suggested a larger operation remained possible.
IRGC spokesperson Sardar Mohebi responded by warning that “severe punishment awaits the aggressors” and that America would regret the new attacks.
The latest confrontation follows a month-long lull in direct US-Iran military exchanges and comes amid heightened tensions over shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Washington says Iran has attempted to deploy mines in the waterway, while Tehran has disputed US claims about the removal of mines and imposed its own rules on maritime traffic.
The US State Department has meanwhile issued a heightened travel warning for Americans across the Middle East, citing the potential for further escalation, flight cancellations, airspace closures and attacks on US interests.