Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after US airstrikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks on American military bases.
The United States launched strikes on more than 80 targets in Iran after three oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the operation targeted missile launch sites, command centres and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boats, accusing Iran of threatening international shipping.
Iran said the strikes hit Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Sirik, injuring civilians with shrapnel. Although Tehran denied direct responsibility for the tanker attacks, the IRGC later announced retaliatory missile and drone strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The escalation follows growing tensions despite a memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran last month. The US also revoked a temporary waiver easing oil sanctions on Iran, while Gulf states including Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned attacks on tankers linked to their countries.
The latest exchange has heightened fears of wider instability around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil exports.