US-Iran conflict escalates as missile strikes spread across Gulf

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified as both sides exchanged fresh missile and drone attacks. 

Iran claimed it launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Oman. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attacks were in response to recent US military operations and warned that further action would follow if US continued its campaign.

Iranian state media also reported that the country's army targeted US positions in Kuwait and claimed to have shot down a US drone over Bandar Abbas, although those claims have not been independently verified.

The US military confirmed it carried out another wave of strikes inside Iran, saying the operation targeted missile systems, air defences, drone facilities and other military infrastructure linked to threats against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The latest escalation has placed renewed pressure on a fragile US-Iran understanding reached last month and has heightened concerns over global energy supplies. 

Iran insists it has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States maintains that maritime traffic continues under military protection.

Oil prices also climbed as markets reacted to growing uncertainty over the security of global shipping routes.