Tehran warns it will leave no attack 'unanswered' as crude prices climb and Gulf nations activate air defences

US forces carried out strikes against Iran on Wednesday in what President Donald Trump said was retaliation for the downing of an American Apache helicopter by the Islamic Republic a day earlier. Iranian media reported at least two series of explosions along Iran's southern coast near the Strait of Hormuz, with US forces targeting several Iranian air defence systems and radar systems around the strategic waterway, according to Axios.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards strike back

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with drones, and an airbase in Jordan with missiles in response to the US strikes on southern Iran earlier, state media reported. The IRGC's Aerospace Force claimed its long-range, solid-fuel missiles hit and destroyed four critical targets at the Jordanian base, including F-35 fighter jet hangars and a primary command and control centre in Al-Azraq.

Tehran warns of further retaliation

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had chosen to "test our determination" and the Iranian armed forces would "leave no attack or threat unanswered". In a sharp message to Washington, he added: "Leave our region if you want to be safe." The foreign ministry also said Gulf nations bore a "legal and moral responsibility" to prevent US and Israeli forces from using their territory or facilities for hostile actions against Iran.

Regional air defences activated

The escalating confrontation triggered air defence responses across the Gulf. Bahrain's interior ministry issued an air raid alert, urging people "to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place". Kuwait's military said its air defences were engaging "hostile aerial targets" in accordance with established operational procedures, though officials did not specify their origin. The Jordanian military confirmed it shot down five missiles launched from Iran as the tit-for-tat strikes unfolded.

Oil markets react to conflict

Crude oil prices climbed about one percent, rebounding from a seven-week low as markets absorbed the news of fresh US military strikes against Iran. Brent crude futures gained 83 cents to reach $92.29 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate increased by 68 cents to settle at $88.97. The price rally was further fuelled by market data revealing a substantial decline in US crude inventories.

Hezbollah joins fray from Lebanon

In a related development, Hezbollah claimed it launched 14 separate attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. According to statements detailing operations from Monday night through Tuesday, the group said its forces repeatedly targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and armour in the Lebanese towns of Biyyada, Rachaf, al-Qawzah, and Qantara using drones, missiles, and rockets.

The US military's Central Command said it had "completed self-defence strikes against Iran", describing the attacks as a proportional response to the downing of the Apache helicopter and recent attacks on US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters. Iranian media reported that strikes in Sirik's Bemani district destroyed two water tanks and damaged a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island.