Iran said US missile strikes killed 11 people in Khuzestan, while Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked interests in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, deepening the latest escalation in the conflict.

The US-Iran conflict escalated further on Wednesday after Iran reported that fresh US strikes had killed 11 people, while Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks against targets and US-linked interests in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Iranian state media reported that seven people were killed and eight injured in overnight US missile strikes on three locations in southwestern Khuzestan province. The latest casualties brought the number of deaths reported by Iranian authorities from the recent US strikes to 11.

The Iranian response followed a fresh series of US attacks on Iranian targets. US President Donald Trump said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for what he described as an Iranian attempt to place sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and missile attacks directed at a US military facility in Jordan.

Iran targets US-linked positions in region

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that Camp Titin in Jordan came under an intense ballistic missile attack. Jordan's military, however, said its air defence systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles launched from Iran.

Jordanian authorities did not report casualties or confirm that the US training facility had been struck. The military also said three additional missiles landed in remote areas.

Iranian missile and drone activity was also reported in Kuwait, while warning sirens were heard in Bahrain.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry issued a third alert within six hours, warning residents of a potential threat and urging them to remain calm and move to a safe location.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards also warned Arab states hosting US forces that they could face a severe military response unless American troops and bases were removed from their territories. The warning specifically referenced Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

Wedding strike draws condemnation

The latest escalation follows US strikes earlier in the week that Iranian officials said killed civilians.

The Iranian Red Crescent said one US strike in the city of Kuhestak killed four people, including a child, and wounded more than 50 others during a wedding celebration.

Iran's embassy in India condemned the incident, saying a wedding had been turned into a funeral and expressing condolences to the victims' families.

The claims about casualties and damage come primarily from Iranian authorities and have not been independently verified in all cases.

Strait of Hormuz faces further disruption

The conflict is also putting fresh pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy and shipping route.

Preliminary tracking data cited by Reuters showed that only four commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared with 10 the previous day and a 10-day average of around 13. The vessels included a very large crude carrier, a Panamax tanker, a Kamsarmax carrier and an intermediate tanker. The figures could change because some vessels switch off their tracking transponders during transit. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that the latest US strikes could further restrict traffic through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz carried roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption before the conflict intensified, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets.

Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was also below its recent average, with 18 commodity vessels recorded on Tuesday against a 10-day average of about 24. 

Oil prices climb

The latest exchange of strikes pushed oil prices higher as traders assessed the possibility of further supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures rose 87 cents, or 0.92%, to $95.52 a barrel in Wednesday trading, according to the figures cited in the live updates.

With tensions now spreading across multiple Gulf locations and commercial shipping through Hormuz remaining sharply below normal levels, energy markets are closely watching whether the latest escalation leads to a longer disruption of regional oil flows.

The situation remains fluid, with further Iranian retaliation and additional US military action possible as both sides respond to the latest attacks.

The United States has approved the sale of 5,250 Patriot missile interceptors to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as demand for the advanced air-defence system rises amid escalating tensions in West Asia and a global shortage of interceptors.

The proposed sales are aimed at replenishing and strengthening the missile stockpiles of the four Gulf countries at a time when Patriot interceptors are in high demand because of conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

According to sources cited by Reuters, the United States is also holding discussions on allowing Ukraine to manufacture some Patriot interceptor components, despite President Donald Trump previously saying that he had not approved such an arrangement.

Gulf States Seek More Missiles

The planned sale comes as Gulf countries seek to reinforce their air-defence capabilities amid heightened regional tensions. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE are among the countries that rely on US-made Patriot systems to defend against ballistic missiles, aircraft and other aerial threats.

The demand for interceptors has increased significantly this year, putting additional pressure on global supplies.

The United States has also been trying to expand production capacity. Last month, the US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles.

The Patriot system, first used operationally during the 1991 Gulf War, has since become one of the most widely deployed advanced air-defence platforms in the world.

Ukraine Adds to Global Demand

Ukraine remains one of the biggest sources of demand for Patriot interceptors. Kyiv has been seeking additional missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have intensified during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The conflict involving Iran has also placed pressure on US and Gulf inventories, while some European countries have been reluctant to release missiles from their own reserves because of concerns about maintaining adequate stocks for national defence.

The resulting supply constraints have made additional production and international procurement increasingly important for countries operating the Patriot system.

How Patriot Interceptors Work

The Patriot system can use different types of interceptors depending on the threat being addressed.

The earlier PAC-2 interceptor uses a blast-fragmentation warhead designed to destroy or disable a target through an explosive blast and fragments.

The PAC-3 family uses a different approach known as hit-to-kill technology, in which the interceptor directly collides with an incoming target to destroy it.

The system is capable of engaging a range of threats, including short-range ballistic missiles, aircraft and cruise missiles.

New PAC-3 ACE Interceptor

Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement Adapted Capability Effector (PAC-3 MSE ACE) in July, describing it as a lower-cost interceptor designed to maintain significant defensive capabilities.

The company has said the new interceptor could cost roughly half as much as existing alternatives while retaining the ability to engage short-range ballistic missiles, aircraft and cruise missiles.

The Patriot system's radar is also designed to track multiple potential threats simultaneously. NATO has previously stated that the system's radar can have a range of more than 150 kilometres and track up to 100 potential targets.

Patriot Comes at High Cost

Patriot air-defence systems are among the most expensive conventional defence platforms.

According to estimates cited by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a newly produced Patriot battery can cost more than $1 billion, including approximately $400 million for the system itself and around $690 million for its missiles.

Individual PAC-3 interceptors are estimated to cost approximately $4 million to $5 million each, making large-scale stockpile replenishment a major financial commitment.

The latest US approval therefore highlights not only the growing demand for advanced air defence in West Asia but also the increasing pressure on global Patriot missile supplies as conflicts in multiple regions continue to drive procurement.

Regional tensions intensified on Wednesday after Iran launched missiles toward Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait in the aftermath of recent US military strikes. Jordan's armed forces said their air defence systems successfully intercepted several incoming missiles, preventing casualties and damage, as the United States reiterated its willingness to pursue diplomacy while warning that it would continue to defend its interests and allies.

According to Jordan's state-run Petra News Agency, the country's air defence systems detected six missiles launched from Iranian territory. Military officials said four missiles were intercepted after entering Jordanian airspace, while the remaining two landed in remote, uninhabited areas without causing injuries or property damage.

Jordan's military confirmed that no casualties or material losses were reported and stated that security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.

Regional Security Concerns Rise

The missile launches came amid heightened tensions across the Middle East following recent US strikes targeting Iranian-linked facilities. Although authorities in Bahrain and Kuwait have not immediately reported any direct damage, regional security agencies remain on high alert amid fears of further escalation.

The latest developments have prompted concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict, with Gulf nations closely monitoring the evolving security situation.

Rubio: US Ready for Diplomacy

Speaking during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains prepared to engage in diplomatic talks with Tehran but questioned Iran's willingness to negotiate.

"Our biggest problem right now is that they're not serious about negotiating. If they are serious, we will be too. If not, we will do whatever is necessary to protect our interests and the interests of our allies," Rubio said.

His remarks underscored the Biden administration's position that diplomacy remains the preferred path, provided Iran demonstrates a genuine commitment to negotiations.

Diplomatic Window Remains Open

Despite the exchange of military actions, US officials continue to maintain that diplomatic engagement remains possible. However, Washington has also indicated that it will respond decisively to threats against American personnel, military assets, and allied nations in the region.

The latest missile incident highlights the fragile security environment in the Gulf, where any further escalation could have significant implications for regional stability, global energy markets, and international diplomacy.

International Community Watching Closely

The growing confrontation between the United States and Iran has drawn international attention, with several countries urging restraint and calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict.

Security analysts note that continued military exchanges risk increasing instability across the Middle East, making diplomatic engagement increasingly critical in the coming days.

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified on Saturday, entering its seventh consecutive day of direct military exchanges, with Tehran warning that countries hosting American military bases could face a "corresponding response" if they continue to support US operations.

The latest escalation saw fresh US airstrikes inside Iran, retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran targeting American military facilities across the Gulf region, and renewed tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

US Expands Military Campaign

The US military carried out another round of overnight strikes targeting locations inside Iran, with American officials stating that the operations were aimed at further degrading Iran's military capabilities.

Iranian authorities reported casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power facilities, airports and transportation networks in southern provinces.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said several civilians were killed during the latest attacks, including victims of a strike on a bridge in Bandar Khamir.

Iran Warns Gulf States Hosting US Bases

Tehran issued one of its strongest warnings since the conflict began, declaring that countries allowing the United States to launch attacks from military bases on their territory could face retaliatory action.

Iranian officials maintained that any nation facilitating American military operations would bear responsibility for the consequences.

Senior military adviser Mohsen Rezaee warned that if US attacks continue, Iran would move beyond its current strategy of retaliation and enter what he described as a phase of "full-scale offensive operations."

Missile Attacks Across the Gulf

Iran claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

Iranian military statements said missiles struck facilities including aircraft hangars, fuel storage areas and communication infrastructure at Bahrain's Sheikh Isa Air Base.

Authorities in Bahrain activated air raid sirens multiple times, urging residents to seek immediate shelter.

Jordan's military announced that its air defence systems intercepted 10 Iranian missiles after they entered the country's airspace, adding that no casualties or significant damage were reported.

In Qatar, officials said missile debris injured a child after the country's defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.

Hormuz Tensions Deepen

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, remained at the centre of the escalating crisis.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed that two oil tankers exploded after entering what they described as mined waters near the strait. Tehran also alleged that four commercial vessels attempting to transit the strategic waterway had been stopped during missile and drone operations.

The United States rejected Iran's allegations regarding the tanker incidents.

The latest developments have heightened concerns over global energy security, with oil markets continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Civilian Infrastructure Reportedly Damaged

Iranian media reported damage to electricity infrastructure, desalination facilities and water supply systems in Hormozgan province following the latest American strikes.

Local authorities said several villages experienced disruptions in drinking water supplies after missile attacks damaged coastal pumping stations.

Emergency teams have begun restoration work while officials continue assessing the extent of the damage.

Regional Security Concerns Grow

The latest military exchanges have significantly expanded the geographical scope of the conflict, with multiple Gulf nations now directly affected by missile interceptions and heightened security alerts.

Military analysts warn that continued attacks on strategic shipping routes, regional military bases and civilian infrastructure could further destabilise the Middle East and increase risks to global energy markets.

Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis remain limited, while both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange military strikes with increasingly broader targets.

As the conflict enters another critical phase, international observers are closely watching whether the confrontation remains limited or develops into a wider regional war involving additional countries.

The warning came hours after the IRGC Navy declared the strait closed, saying it had fired warning shots at a vessel attempting to cross using an unauthorized route. Iran's statement said any ship failing to comply with its designated navigation routes would face an "immediate and forceful response" from its armed forces, and separately cautioned that US military involvement in the strait would draw its own swift retaliation. The US, for its part, has repeatedly called on Iran to keep the strait open to international shipping and ensure vessel safety, arguing the waterway falls outside any single country's control.

The latest exchange is the newest flashpoint in a war that has run since February 28, when the US and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran, and which has repeatedly spilled into the Gulf's shipping lanes. The strait, through which roughly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade normally passes, has seen traffic collapse since the conflict began, with tens of thousands of stranded mariners and vessels reported at points during the crisis.

The immediate trigger for Saturday's warning traces back to a rapid escalation earlier in the week. On July 7, Iranian forces struck two tankers in the strait — the Qatari-owned Al Rekayat and the Saudi-flagged Wedyan — prompting the US Treasury to reimpose sanctions on Iranian oil exports that had briefly been lifted under an earlier ceasefire framework. A third vessel was hit within 24 hours, and CENTCOM responded with a wave of strikes on Iranian military sites near the strait, which Iran's military vowed to answer with a "crushing response." Iran's negotiating team was defiant in the aftermath, with negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf writing online that Tehran would not back down under pressure.

By Sunday, the US had launched a fresh round of strikes after an Iranian attack set a Cyprus-flagged container ship ablaze in the strait, leaving one crew member missing. Iran responded with strikes on Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, triggering missile alerts across the Gulf; Qatar's military said it intercepted the incoming fire. Oman, which shares territorial waters around the strait with Iran, has been attempting to mediate, with the two countries' foreign ministers meeting Saturday to discuss de-escalation.

As of Sunday, neither side has signalled a shift in position. Iran has said the strait will remain closed "until further notice," while the US continues to insist on unrestricted passage for international shipping — leaving the waterway, and the fragile ceasefire framework built around it, in continued jeopardy.

Fresh military action by Washington after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered another sharp escalation across West Asia, with Iran claiming missile and drone strikes on US-linked targets in the Gulf.

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran suffered a major setback on Wednesday after American forces carried out large-scale airstrikes on more than 80 military targets across southern Iran. The operation, announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), marked one of the most significant military offensives since the recent truce and has raised fresh concerns over regional stability.

According to CENTCOM, the strikes were launched in response to attacks on three commercial vessels passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Washington blamed Iran for targeting the ships, including a Qatari tanker, although Tehran has not officially accepted responsibility for the incident.

Military infrastructure targeted

The US military said the operation focused on degrading Iran's military capabilities along the Gulf coast. Targets reportedly included air defence systems, command and control facilities, coastal radar installations, surface-to-air and anti-ship missile sites, drone launch locations, and more than 60 fast attack boats belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iranian state media reported explosions in several southern locations, including Sirik, Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, with fires breaking out at multiple sites following the strikes. However, Iranian authorities have not released any official casualty figures.

Iran announces retaliation

Shortly after the American operation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had launched missile and drone attacks on more than 85 targets associated with US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The IRGC said the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait were among the intended targets. Neither the United States nor the governments of Bahrain and Kuwait immediately confirmed the extent of the claimed attacks, although air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain and Kuwait reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones.

Iran maintained that its military action was a direct response to what it described as repeated US violations of the ceasefire and earlier bilateral understandings.

Diplomatic tensions deepen

The renewed confrontation has prompted strong reactions from countries across the region. Qatar condemned attacks on commercial shipping and urged all parties to pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation. Egypt also criticised the attacks on Gulf states, calling them a threat to regional security and stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran would not negotiate under pressure and insisted that Washington must honour previous commitments before diplomatic engagement could resume.

Meanwhile, several international leaders stressed the importance of preventing a broader conflict in the Gulf, warning that continued military exchanges could disrupt global energy supplies and maritime trade.

Strait of Hormuz remains under focus

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil shipments pass, has once again become the centre of geopolitical tensions. Following the attacks on commercial vessels, several oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers reportedly altered their routes or delayed transit due to rising security concerns.

Energy markets reacted cautiously as fears of prolonged instability in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors resurfaced.

Uncertainty over next steps

With both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating the ceasefire, prospects for immediate de-escalation remain uncertain. While the United States has defended its military response as necessary to protect international shipping, Iran has vowed to continue responding to any future attacks.

The latest developments have significantly heightened tensions in West Asia, raising fresh concerns over regional security, international trade, and global energy markets.